PoemHunter.com

Brahma by Ralph Waldo Emerson

7/6/2008 7:32:24 PM
Home Poets Poems Lyrics Quotations Music Forum Search Member Area Poetry E-Books Sites Mini Quiz
 

POEMS

LYRICS

MUSIC

QUOTATIONS

SEARCH

   
Ralph Waldo Emerson
(1803 - 1882)
Free Poetry E-Book:
68 poems of Ralph Waldo Emerson

File Size: 678k  File Format: Acrobat Reader
To download the eBook right-Click on the title and select "Save Target As". more ebooks >>
   • Biography  Poems  Quotations  Comments  More Info  Stats 

 
 
<< prev. poem Poems by Ralph Waldo Emerson: 6 / 68 next poem >>
  
 
Brahma
 
  If the red slayer think he slays,
Or if the slain think he is slain,
They know not well the subtle ways
I keep, and pass, and turn again.

Far or forgot to me is near;
Shadow and sunlight are the same;
The vanished gods to me appear;
And one to me are shame and fame.

They reckon ill who leave me out;
When me they fly, I am the wings;
I am the doubter and the doubt,
And I the hymn the Brahmin sings.

The strong gods pine for my abode,
And pine in vain the sacred Seven;
But thou, meek lover of the good!
Find me, and turn thy back on heaven.

Ralph Waldo Emerson


Read poems about / on: red, heaven

User Rating:

7.1 /10
(8 votes)



 
Comments about this poem (Brahma by Ralph Waldo Emerson)  more comments >>
Click here to write your comments about this poem (Brahma by Ralph Waldo Emerson)
 
Matthew Lemberger (4/29/2007 9:51:00 AM)
I have always like this poem; . I hink it was in a textbook either high school or college. Emerson was the father of transcendtalis. I believe he studied in Germany where he came in contact with Hinduism. We might say that Emerson brought Hinduism to America.

What I like about the poem is that it accepts the contraictions in duality as One.
What I have trouble with or I am not sure of where at the end he states that the believer 'turns' his back on heaven.
Emerson was the seven Emerson who were Christians ministers in America. Was he saying the believer turned his back on the God of the Bible?
I'm curious for your response?
People who read Ralph Waldo Emerson also read: More classic poets:

The complete list >>

Lyrics

The complete list >>

QuickPoll
How often do you visit our website?
Once a day
Once a week
Once a month
Once a year

 Search in the World Poetry Database => 

 Search:   in:      tips
Hide the search box!

E-MAIL THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND - Found this page interesting? Recommend it to your friend! 
 Your E-mail:  
 Friend's Email:  
   
Your
Message:

 

(c) Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge..  About Us | Copyright notice | Privacy statement | Help
7/6/2008 7:32:24 PM. You Are Here: Brahma by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Home | Poets | Poems | Lyrics | Music | Quotations | Forum | Search | Random Poem | Free Poetry eBooks | Contests | Sites |
Submit a Poem | Manage Your Poems | Contact Us

Christmas Poems | Love Poems | Pablo Neruda | Death Poems | Sad Poems | Birthday Poems | Wedding Poems | Annabel Lee | Sorry Poems | Winter Poems