Songs that could span the earth, <br />When leaping thought had stirred them, <br />In many an hour since birth, <br />We heard or dreamed we heard them. <br /> <br />Sometimes to all their sway <br />We yield ourselves half fearing, <br />Sometimes with hearts grown grey <br />We curse ourselves for hearing. <br /> <br />We toil and but begin; <br />In vain our spirits fret them, <br />We strive, and cannot win, <br />Nor evermore forget them. <br /> <br />A light that will not stand, <br />That comes and goes in flashes, <br />Fair fruits that in the hand <br />Are turned to dust and ashes. <br /> <br />Yet still the deep thoughts ring <br />Around and through and through us, <br />Sweet mights that make us sing, <br />But bring no resting to us.<br /><br />Archibald Lampman<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/song-116/
