A LUMP, they said, from some primeval state: Dark, rough, and seeming very little worth: I laid it by an ember in my grate, And, lo, an "imprisoned splendor" issued forth! O you who preach, and you who teach, think not That robe or book will ever win the mark: If you indeed would stir another's thought, Lay mind to mind: communicate the spark. Plato was kindled, when he felt the flame Of Socrates on his own spirit fall; From John the fisherman the prophet came, Set free by Him whose touch may kindle all. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE BAY FIGHT by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL OLNEY HYMNS: 18. LOVEST THOU ME? by WILLIAM COWPER NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY by ROBERT FROST BETH GELERT; OR, THE GRAVE OF THE GREYHOUND by WILLIAM ROBERT SPENCER THE ARGONAUTS (ARGONATUICA): EROS AND HIS MOTHER by APOLLONIUS RHODIUS |