Classic and Contemporary Poetry
IN TENEBRIS, by JOHN LAWSON STODDARD Poet's Biography First Line: All the lights have been extinguished Last Line: And moves gently toward the deep. Subject(s): Envy; Evil; Grief; Sorrow; Sadness | ||||||||
All the lights have been extinguished In my closely-curtained room, Nothing now can be distinguished In the all-pervading gloom; And through darkness, so alluring, I would float away to sleep, Like a boat that slips its mooring, And moves gently toward the deep. How delightful this seclusion From the garish light of day, -- All its turmoil and confusion Pushed, a little while, away! Neither men nor things shall try me Till to-morrow brings its light; Let my cares go drifting by me! I'll not think of them to-night. Social cant and empty phrases, Base returns for kindness shown, Envy's serpent-smile, and praises Which convey, for bread, a stone, -- What a joy to have rejected All such griefs, of evil born! What a boon to feel protected From their advent until morn! Moon and stars, without, are gleaming Over snow-capped peaks sublime, But to-night I'll give to dreaming, Nor esteem it wasted time; Nay, through darkness, so alluring, I will float away to sleep, Like a boat that slips its mooring, And moves gently toward the deep. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONOMA FIRE by JANE HIRSHFIELD AS THE SPARKS FLY UPWARDS by JOHN HOLLANDER WHAT GREAT GRIEF HAS MADE THE EMPRESS MUTE by JUNE JORDAN CHAMBER MUSIC: 19 by JAMES JOYCE DIRGE AT THE END OF THE WOODS by LEONIE ADAMS A MAY MONODY by JOHN LAWSON STODDARD |
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