Is he of God who terms the "solitude distress" Or being in it to himself hath sighed Against the balm therein, companionship desired? Is earth encumbered with a soul so spiritless Who weary of sweet self-communion cries "excess"? As well might one whose cup imbued with earthly wine Proffered replenisment decline Aware the fault the stuff possesses. Ah! No: in solitude there is no such deceit To him whose soul would soar To heights undreamed by ordinary clay. 'Tis but a state of heavenly sweet A glimpse of yon ethereal shore The gift of God, it offers light of day. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ODES I, 5 by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS THE HIGH-PRIEST TO ALEXANDER by ALFRED TENNYSON BALLADE OF A TRAVELLER'S JINX by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS EPITAPH ON THE SECRETARY TO THE MUSES by JANE BARKER SONNET by ETIENNE DE LA BOETIE ARMISTICE DAY by ZELMA DUNNING BOWEN ON THE DEATH OF AN INFANT OF FIVE DAYS OLD by ELIZABETH BOYD |