A face seen passing in a crowded street,
A voice heard singing music, large and free;
And from that moment life is changed, and we
Become of more heroic temper, meet
To freely ask and give, a man complete
Radiant because of faith, we dare to be
What Nature meant us. Brave idolatry
Which can conceive a hero! No deceit,
No knowledge taught by unrelenting years,
Can quench this fierce, untamable desire.
We know that what we long for once achieved
Will cease to satisfy. Be still our fears;
If what we worship fail us, still the fire
Burns on, and it is much to have believed.
(Amy Lowell)
More Poetry from Amy Lowell:
Amy Lowell Poems based on Topics: Man, Life, Fire, Fear, Desire, Music, Lies & Deceit, Anger, Courage, Belief & Faith, Heroism- Towns in Colour (Amy Lowell Poems)
- Lilacs (Amy Lowell Poems)
- The Swans (Amy Lowell Poems)
- Twenty-Four Hokku On A Modern Theme (Amy Lowell Poems)
- Stravinsky's (Amy Lowell Poems)
- Diya (Amy Lowell Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Man Poems, Life Poems, Fire Poems, Fear Poems, Belief & Faith Poems, Anger Poems, Courage Poems, Lies & Deceit Poems, Music Poems, Desire Poems, Heroism PoemsBased on Keywords: achieved, conceive, idolatry, unrelenting, untamable