George Willis Cooke, comp. The Poets of Transcendentalism: An Anthology. 1903.
ComprehensionAnna Callender Brackett (18361911)
F
The rapid river shore to shore
While down the stream the ice-floes roar,—
Unmindful how the storm-wind swings
The slender twig to which he clings,—
Upon the spider’s silvery line
He crosses sure through sun and shine,—
Must be the thought that strives to get
And hold the Truth inviolate.
Before the prophet’s wondering eyes,
Runs still the path to Paradise.
We prison fast the sunlit air,
And lo!’ tis darkness that is there!
While Thought its shadow still pursues,
Nor knows its work is not to choose;
And where the two are one again,
Will Truth no more be sought in vain.