| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
| |
| 1563. Genius |
| | | By Edward Lucas White |
| |
| |
| HE cried aloud to God: “The men below | |
| Are happy, for I see them come and go, | |
| Parents and mates and friends, paired, clothed with love; | |
| They heed not, see not, need not me above,— | |
| I am alone here. Grant me love and peace, | 5 |
| Or, if not them, grant me at least release.” | |
| |
| God answered him: “I set you here on high | |
| Upon my beacon-tower, you know not why. | |
| Your soul-torch by the cruel gale is blown, | |
| As desperate as your aching heart is lone. | 10 |
| You may not guess but that it shines in vain, | |
| Yet, till it is burned out, you must remain.” | |
| |
|
|
|
