Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, GULF LIGHTNING, by JULES LAFORGUE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GULF LIGHTNING, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I stood on a tower in the midst of the stars
Last Line: Ah! To be nothing irretrievably!
Subject(s): Life; Lightning; Noises; Universe; Lightning Rods


I stood on a tower in the midst of the stars.

Of a sudden I whirled! In a lightning flash
I plumbed, past fears and frightful formulas,
The riddle of the universe—too rash!
Where am I? Is all alone? Where does it go,
This rolling lump that bears me?—And I can die,
Die, and depart unseeing! Speak! Shall time flow
And not return? Stop! Stop! How satisfy
The yearning days? I know not, yet have ceased—
Perhaps now. ... I was in darkness, then came to be—
Why? Whence the world? And whither? For the priest
Is but a man. They know not. Appear and let us see,
God, eternal witness! Speak, wherefore
Life? ... Silence! Space is heartless! Be
Merciful, stars! I will not die! I soar!
Ah! To be nothing irretrievably!





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