Defeated

I raise a pillar, fine and fair,—
The monument of my despair;
No fame of conqueror or king
E’er won a nobler offering:—
Behold, where strength and beauty meet
To celebrate a life’s defeat!

From hearts of stone to heart of stone,
The soul appeals, as to her own;—
The stainless granite, stately, strong,
Shall chant my failure’s deathless song;
Severe as Truth, this shaft shall shame
The poor world’s pitiable blame.