To own ourselves despite conflicting wills Or adverse happening -- O let this be! We think of men who sailed an empty sea, Roamed desert plains and climbed untraversed hills, Braved all that nature holds of hidden ills. We strive to reach the fields where souls are free: To break the spirit's bonds and grasp the key To truth -- for truth destroying but fulfills. Then dare we succor youth's unsanctioned cause, Discard the freedom that becomes a chain, Or welcome knowledge should it pierce us through? The modern proves remote as primal laws. The dreamer finds his venture was not vain. We ask for light ... we ask for strength to do! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO J. D. H. (KILLED AT SURREY C. H., OCTOBER, 1866) by SIDNEY LANIER A MINUET OF MOZART'S by SARA TEASDALE MATER IN EXTREMIS by JEAN STARR UNTERMEYER A MORE ANCIENT MARINER by BLISS CARMAN ALEXANDER CRUMMELL - DEAD by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE HILL WIFE: LONELINESS by ROBERT FROST |