Classic and Contemporary Poetry
SELF-MASTERY, by HENRIETTA CORDELIA RAY Poet's Biography First Line: To catch the spirit in its wayward flight Last Line: A gift from him who lifts our ev'ry care. Alternate Author Name(s): Ray, Cordelia Subject(s): Self-reliance | ||||||||
To catch the spirit in its wayward flight Through mazes manifold, what task supreme! For when to floods has grown the quiet stream, Much human skill must aid its rage to fight; And when wild winds invade the solemn night, Seems not man's vaunted power but a dream? And still more futile, ay, we e'en must deem This quest to tame the soul, and guide aright Its restless wanderings, - to lure it back To shoals of calm. Full many a moan and sigh Attend the strife; till, effort merged in prayer, Oft uttered, clung to - when of strength the lack Seems direst - brings the answer to our cry: A gift from Him who lifts our ev'ry care. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AFTER TWELVE DAYS OF RAIN by DORIANNE LAUX LEAVING THE ASYLUM by GREGORY ORR BE NOBODY'S DARLING / BE AN OUTCAST by ALICE WALKER SELF-DEPENDENCE by MATTHEW ARNOLD ECHOES: 4. INVICTUS by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY SELF-RELIANCE by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS AFTER THE STORM by HENRIETTA CORDELIA RAY |
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