These journals, notes, and missives of the dead -- These poems of all ages -- form a kind Of ever fresh ambrosia for the mind; And we like half-gods, as it were, cloud-fed On song and thought and parable, break bread With all the wits and poets of mankind, Who looked on life and left their souls behind With ours immortally companioned. Rather than honors, riches, and renown -- By heaven, I'd rather be like one of those! -- One who in thought so close enwrapped himself As to live penniless and die unknown, Leaving no record of his joys or woes, Save a small volume on the scholar's shelf. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A BORDER AFFAIR by CHARLES BADGER CLARK JR. NO BABY IN THE HOUSE by CLARA G. DOLLIVER IN THE SHADOWS: 19 by DAVID GRAY (1838-1861) THE FOUNTAIN by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL SING-SONG; A NURSERY RHYME BOOK: 119 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI BLIGHTERS by SIEGFRIED SASSOON THERMOPYLAE by SIMONIDES OF CEOS |