AS starts the absent dreamer, when a train Suddenly disengulphed below his feet Roars forth into the sunlight, to its seat My soul was shaken with immediate pain Intolerable as the scanty breath Of that one word blew utterly away The fragile mist of fair deceit that lay O'er the bleak years that severed me from death. Yes, at the sight I quailed; but, not unwise Or not, O God, without some nervous thread Of that best valour, Patience, bowed my head And with firm bosom and most steadfast eyes, Strong in all high resolve, prepared to tread The unlovely path that leads me toward the skies. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FOR THE ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN KEATS' DEATH by SARA TEASDALE TO MY INCONSTANT MISTRESS by THOMAS CAREW BALLADE OF DEAD ACTORS by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY THE YOUNG MAY MOON by THOMAS MOORE TO HELEN (2) by EDGAR ALLAN POE THE DISMANTLED SHIP by WALT WHITMAN BRONZE TRUMPETS AND SEA WATER; ON TURNING LATIN VERSE INTO ENGLISH by ELINOR WYLIE |