Poem by William Ernest Henley

A Thanksgiving

From brief delights that rise to me
Out of unfathomable dole,
I thank whatever gods there be
For mine unconquerable soul.
In the strong clutch of Circumstance
It has not winced, nor groaned aloud.
Before the blows of eyeless chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
I front unfeared the threat of space
And dwindle into dark again.
My work is done, I take my place
Among the years that wait for men.
My life, my broken life must be
One unsuccourable dole.
I thank the gods- they gave to me
A dauntless and defiant soul. 

1. Ballade of the Toyokuni Colour-Print
2. In Hospital. 22. Pastoral
3. London Voluntaries. 5. Allegro Maëstoso
4. In Hospital. 18. Children: Private Ward
5. London Voluntaries. 4. Largo e Mesto

John Newman A Thanksgiving ("Lord, in this dust Thy sovereign voice")

Print

1710 Views

Last Poems

To Russian version