Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ASPIRATION by ADAH ISAACS MENKEN

Poet Analysis

First Line: POOR, IMPIOUS SOUL! THAT FIXES ITS HIGH HOPES
Last Line: THINE OWN REFLECTION IN ETERNITY!

Poor, impious Soul! that fixes its high hopes
In the dim distance, on a throne of clouds,
And from the morning's mist would make the ropes
To draw it up amid acclaim of crowds --
Beware! That soaring path is lined with shrouds;
And he who braves it, though of sturdy breath,
May meet, half way, the avalanche and death!

O poor young Soul! -- whose year-devouring glance
Fixes in ecstasy upon a star,
Whose feverish brilliance looks a part of earth,
Yet quivers where the feet of angels are,
And seems the future crown in realms afar --
Beware! A spark thou art, and dost but see
Thine own reflection in Eternity!




Home: PoetryExplorer.net