So much of good lives in this world, So much of bad is here unfurled That one is sometimes at a loss To sift the golden from the dross. How often wrong's conniving schemes Reap rich rewards beyond all dreams, While strong adherents to the right Seem ever cursed with misery's plight. How often trails the grossest shame Quickly on the heels of fame, While something fine and strong and good Is covered by the devil's hood. Horror ever lurks beneath The belted sword in honors sheathed. Molten lava boils with rage Within a lofty, snow-tipped cage. Only by a contrast strong Does there exist a right or wrong, But what is wrong and what is right Can likened be to day and night; Each has its purpose, fills a need, Else God would not have so decreed. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE MOUNTAIN WHIPPOORWILL (A GEORGIA ROMANCE) by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET AND THE GREATEST OF THESE IS WAR by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON THE HARD TIMES IN ELFLAND; A STORY OF CHRISTMAS EVE by SIDNEY LANIER UNDER THE CEDARCROFT CHESTNUT by SIDNEY LANIER TO CARMEN SYLVA (QUEEN OF ROUMANIA) by EMMA LAZARUS ON CARPACCIO'S PICTURE: THE DREAM OF ST. URSALA; SONNET by AMY LOWELL HOMAGE TO SEXTUS PROPERTIUS: 4. DIFFERENCE OF OPINION WITH LYGDAMUS by EZRA POUND |