Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE SOLITUDE OF LIFE, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When fancy's exhalations rise Last Line: Already in the grave. Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord Subject(s): Life; Solitude; Loneliness | ||||||||
WHEN Fancy's exhalations rise From youth's delicious morn, Our eyes seem made for others' eyes, Spirit for spirit born: But time the truthful faith controuls, -- We learn too soon, alas! How wide the gulf between two souls, How difficult to pass! In twilight and in fearfulness We feel our path along From heart to heart, yet none the less Our way is often wrong. And then new dangers must be faced, New doubts must be dispelled, -- For not one step can be retraced That once the past has held. To some 'tis given to walk awhile In Love's unshaded noon, But clouds are gathering while they smile, And night is coming soon! Most happy he whose journey lies Beneath the starlight sheen Of unregretful memories Of glory that has been. We live together years and years, And leave unsounded still Each other's springs of hopes and fears, Each other's depths of will: We live together day by day, And some chance look or tone Lights up with instantaneous ray An inner world unknown. Then wonder not that they who love The longest and the best, Are parted by some sudden move Of passion or unrest: Nor marvel that the wise and good Should oft apart remain, Nor dare, when once misunderstood, To sympathise again. Come, Death! and match thy quiet gloom With being's darkling strife, Come set beside the lonely Tomb The Solitude of Life; And henceforth none who see can fear Thy hour, which some will crave, Who feel their hearts, though beating here, Already in the grave. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN ABEYANCE by DENISE LEVERTOV IN A VACANT HOUSE by PHILIP LEVINE SUNDAY ALONE IN A FIFTH FLOOR APARTMENT, CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS by WILLIAM MATTHEWS SILENCE LIKE COOL SAND by PAT MORA THE HONEY BEAR by EILEEN MYLES COLUMBUS AND THE MAYFLOWER by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES |
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