BUT might the beauty of the soul be viewed As easily coursing over happenings rude, Parting the fulness of its quick desires With strokes as steady toward where man aspires To be, in order there to prove new strength; Might souls be watched thus, then indeed at length Life winged with beauty and unhindered grace Would quicken rapture on the upturned face. Might souls be viewed as swallows are, then all Would train as athletes, let loose follies fall, Strip each his cared-for self from clinging shames Like useless garments, and at heavenly games Exert his talents and good-will express, Not as lame duty tries, but with success. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 1. 1887 by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN THE SONG OF HIAWATHA: PICTURE-WRITING by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW SHADOWS by VICTOR GUSTAVE PLARR WATER FOWL by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH THE SORCERESS OF THE MOON by WILLIAM ROSE BENET ODE TO THE SACRED LAMPS by M. L. R. BRESLAR BALLAD TO THE TUNE OF 'PHILLIDA FLOUTS ME' by PATRICK CAREY TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 4. IN THE STONE-FLOORED WORKSHOP by EDWARD CARPENTER |