Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CONSCIENCE, by VICTOR MARIE HUGO


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CONSCIENCE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Although upon the shore I seem
Last Line: Pass downward to the silent grave.
Subject(s): Conscience


ALTHOUGH upon the shore I seem
A flake of foam in passing flight;
Although my life is but a dream,
Though I am only dust and night;

Though I am but a lump of clay,
A worm 'mid other human worms,
Crushed 'neath the wheel which speeds away,
The wheel which man 'To-morrow' terms;

Though beneath Evil's fangs I lie;
Though I am scorned, and weak, and bare;
Though I am made of misery,
And you of heavenly azure are;--

Dauntless in right you still confide,
Immovable in trust and faith;
Conscience! my sacred help and guide,
You go before me e'en to Death!

Ever prepared, you march before;
You lead, I follow your command;
Your face, Fate's veil is gathered o'er--
The lamp of God is in your hand.

You say, 'Your cross you must abide;
Rise up! Here is no resting-place.'
You say, 'Your soul here you must hide';
You say, 'Step in the paths I trace.'

You prefer life which sorrows steep,
Mourning and gloom the friend we own;
You smile when I am forced to weep,
You sing when I am forced to groan.

Lit by your torch, with rapture rife,
I step by step, serene and brave,
Through all the miseries of life,
Pass downward to the silent grave.





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