WHAT moves the people forward from the Slough? Not plunder-lust nor fear, Nor stir they that they hear Alarmist drums where frenzied armies go. What moves the people? Not the pangs that start The burnings of regret Whose fire fingers set Their scorching 'Calais' on the nation's heart. Slow impregnating dreams flow deep and flood The very mountain roots, Exalt the gods and brutes, Stirring all earth and spirit and all blood. They turn the maiden from her love and call Age to uplift the lamp, To gird the soul and tramp Out with the triumphing hosts that never fall. What stirs the people from the dark despond? Not anger nor romance, Nor the blown breath of chance, But that firm gentle flame that burns beyond. Who turns his feet toward the radiant light? The songs of golden day Flash swift beside his way, And blue terrific wonders of the night. Blood-hunger and Revenge have paid their dole, And died, and now remains O'er sunlit morning plains Sounding, the noiseless clarion of the Soul. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SEVEN TWILIGHTS: 5 by CONRAD AIKEN THE ELEPHANT by HILAIRE BELLOC NEW YEAR'S EVE by DAVID IGNATOW POETRY by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON SOLDIER by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON SONNET TO THOSE WHO SEE BUT DARKLY by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON TO MARY CHURCH TERRELL - LECTURER by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON |