The Thursday Poem; GOLDEN VERSES by Gerard De Nerval, translated by William Stone
Well then - all things feel! (Pythagoras)
Man, free thinker! You imagine thought
Is yours alone in a world that bursts with life?
The powers you hold are fed by freedom.
But the universe is absent from your wisdom.
Respect in the beast an active mind:
To nature, each budding flower is a soul;
A mystery of love in metal resides;
"All things feel!" And impact on mankind.
Fear, in the blind wall, a watchful gaze:
The Logos is bound even to matter...
Ensure it serves no impious use!
Often in the obscure being, dwells a hidden God;
And like a nascent eye masked by its lid,
Beneath the skin of stones ripens a purer spirit!
From Gerard de Nerval's `Les Chimeres' (pounds 7.99). Our poems this week come from books published by the Menard Press (8 The Oaks, Woodside Avenue, London N12 8AR; tel: 0181-446 5571) to celebrate its 30th birthday
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