Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE MIGHT OF TRUTH, by ALICE CARY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE MIGHT OF TRUTH, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: We are proclaimed, even against our wills
Last Line: And all the immortal ruin stands confessed.
Subject(s): Truth


WE are proclaimed, even against our wills --
If we are silent, then our silence speaks --
Children from tumbling on the summer-hills
Come home with roses rooted in their cheeks.
I think no man can make his lie hold good, --
One way or other, truth is understood.
The still sweet influence of a life of prayer
Quickens their hearts who never bow the knee, --
So come fresh draughts of living inland air
To weary homesick men, far out at sea.
Acquaint thyself with God, O man, and lo!
His light shall, like a garment, round thee flow.

The selfishness that with our lives has grown,
Though outward grace its full expression bar,
Will crop out here and there like belts of stone
From shallow soil, discovering what we are.
The thing most specious cannot stead the true, --
Who would appear clean, must be clean all through.

In vain doth Satan say, "My heart is glad,
I wear of Paradise the morning gem;"
While on his brow, magnificently sad,
Hangs like a crag his blasted diadem.
Still doth the truth the hollow lie invest,
And all the immortal ruin stands confessed.





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