A Character Poem by William Wordsworth
A Character
I marvel how Nature could ever find space
For so many strange contrasts in one human face:
There's thought and no thought, and there's paleness and bloom
And bustle and sluggishness, pleasure and gloom.
There's weakness, and strength both redundant and vain;
Such strength as, if ever affliction and pain
Could pierce through a temper that's soft to disease,
Would be rational peace--a philosopher's ease.
There's indifference, alike when he fails or succeeds,
And attention full ten times as much as there needs;
Pride where there's no envy, there's so much of joy;
And mildness, and spirit both forward and coy.
There's freedom, and sometimes a diffident stare
Of shame scarcely seeming to know that she's there,
There's virtue, the title it surely may claim,
Yet wants heaven knows what to be worthy the name.
This picture from nature may seem to depart,
Yet the Man would at once run away with your heart;
And I for five centuries right gladly would be
Such an odd such a kind happy creature as he.
good Lord in Heaven! ! ! of alli've read..this one tops it all....marvelous..simply astounding! !
A definite self portrait done with humor and truth Beautifully expressed. 10+
The poem is as well thought out and knowing as the Mona Lisa. A complexion is a complex result of simple parts, or differing emotions. It is truly amazing, and a 'marvel [of] nature'.
The character or nature so beautifully etched by the king of nature poems. Hats off to William Wordsworth. Top stars for this marvellous poem
Strange contrasts in a human face. Both weakness and strength. Pleasure and gloom
It is a gem among Wordsworth's poem. How did I miss it.......so beautiful!
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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9/17/2024 5:20:22 AM # 1.0.0.1119
A poet! A poet! A real poet! Wordsworth, a poet unmarched, O hw thy words speaks of nature itself! Can I eva b lyk thee rising frm this me tiny self! ?