The Mind

Aspiration--II

by Helen Hay Whitney 1875–1944

From Sonnets and Songs (1905)

The Mind

The full throat of the world is charged with song,
Morning and twilight melt with ecstasy
In the high heat of noon. Simply to be,
Palpitant where the green spring forces throng,
Eager for life, life unashamed and strong--
This is desire fulfilled. Exalted, free,
The spirit gains her ether, scornfully
Denies existence that is dark or wrong.

This is enough, to see the song begun
Which shall be finished in some field afar.
Laugh that the night may still contain a star,
Nor idly moan your impotence of grace.
Life is a song, lift up your care-free face
Gladly and gratefully toward the sun.

MLA

Whitney, Helen Hay. “Aspiration--II.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/whitney_hh/74/.

Chicago

Whitney, Helen Hay. “Aspiration--II.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/whitney_hh/74/.

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