Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SHELLEY, by ALEXANDER HAY JAPP


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SHELLEY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The odor of a rose: light of a star
Last Line: And dwell in free aerial abodes.
Alternate Author Name(s): Page, H. A.
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Shelley, Percy Bysshe (1792-1822); Writing & Writers


THE odor of a rose: light of a star:
The essence of a flame blown on by wind,
That lights and warms all near it, bland and kind,
But aye consumes itself, as though at war
With what supports and feeds it; -- from afar
It draws its life, but evermore inclined
To leap into the flame that makes men blind
Who seek the secret of all things that are.
Such weft thou, Shelley, bound for airiest goal:
Interpreter of quintessential things:
Who mounted ever up on eagle-wings
Of phantasy: had aimed at heaven and stole
Promethean fire for men to be as gods,
And dwell in free aerial abodes.




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