Classic and Contemporary Poetry
REVOLUTIONS, by MATTHEW ARNOLD Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Before man parted for this earthly strand Last Line: The band will quit man's heart:--he will breathe free. Subject(s): Courage; Valor; Bravery | ||||||||
BEFORE Man parted for this earthly strand, While yet upon the verge of heaven he stood, God put a heap of letters in his hand, And bade him make with them what word he could. And Man has turn'd them many times: made Greece, Rome, England, France:--yes, nor in vain essay'd Way after way, changes that never cease. The letters have combin'd: something was made. But ah, an inextinguishable sense Haunts him that he has not made what he should. That he has still, though old, to recommence, Since he has not yet found the word God would. And Empire after Empire, at their height Of sway, have felt this boding sense come on. Have felt their huge frames not constructed right, And droop'd, and slowly died upon their throne. One day, thou say'st, there will at last appear The word, the order, which God meant should be.-- Ah, we shall know that well when it comes near: The band will quit Man's heart:--he will breathe free. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...UNLESS IT WAS COURAGE by MARVIN BELL THE QUALITY OF COURAGE by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET ON THE OREGON COAST; FOR WILLIAM STAFFORD by ROBERT BLY WORDS WITH WALLACE STEVENS by ROBERT BLY BUFFALO CLOUDS OVER THE MAESTRO HOON by NORMAN DUBIE A SONG OF COURAGE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE AUDACIOUS by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON |
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