Like a white stone deep in a draw-well lying, As hard and clear, a memory lies in me. I cannot strive nor have I heart for striving: It is such pain and yet such ecstasy. It seems to me that someone looking closely Into my eyes would see it, patent, pale. And, seeing, would grow sadder and more thoughtful Than one who listens to a bitter tale. The ancient gods changed men to things, but left them A consciousness that smoldered endlessly, That splendid sorrows might endure forever. And you are changed into a memory. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LOST MISTRESS by ROBERT BROWNING A MORE ANCIENT MARINER by BLISS CARMAN ADVICE by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES THE GODS OF THE COPYBOOK HEADINGS by RUDYARD KIPLING THE KING'S HAND by MUHAMMAD AL-MU'TAMID II CHRISTMAS HYMN by HARRIET AUBER |