Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PEARY'S SLEDGE, by GEORGE EDWARD WOODBERRY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PEARY'S SLEDGE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Rude sledge, that shalt the mortal relic be
Last Line: Earth's axis; and within him was man's mirth.
Subject(s): Peary, Robert Edwin (1856-1920)


RUDE sledge, that shalt the mortal relic be,
When he is nameless dust, of that strong soul
Who won the great adventure of the Pole,
I read the lineaments of fate in thee.
Thou art the image of necessity,
Framed of denial, the wise will's control, --
"Least will do most," -- "Spare all, and win the whole,"
Thou sayest, -- "Art, life, are brothers unto me."

So was that soul accoutred, in and out;
So stood he on the gray roof of the world,
Gazing on heavens he lifted up from earth;
Illimitable chaos round about
Knelt to his flag; victor, beneath him whirled
Earth's axis; and within him was man's mirth.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net