The poem
This World is not Conclusion.
A Species stands beyond—
Invisible, as Music—
But positive, as Sound—
It beckons, and it baffles—
Philosophy—don't know—
And through a Riddle, at the last—
Sagacity, must go—
To guess it, puzzles scholars—
To gain it, Men have borne
Contempt of Generations
And Crucifixion, shown—
Faith slips—and laughs, and rallies—
Blushes, if any see—
Plucks at a twig of Evidence—
And asks a Vane, the way—
Much Gesture, from the Pulpit—
Strong Hallelujahs roll—
Narcotics cannot still the Tooth
That nibbles at the soul—
This poem is linked to poems about immortality and can be linked to the poem 721 Behind Me - dips Eternity -
Meaning of difficult words
Sagacity - insight / wisdom
Vane - thin, flat or curved object that is attached to a wheel and that moves when air or water pushes it, or perhaps a reference to a weather vane - an object that is usually put on the top of a roof and that has an arrow that turns as the wind blows to show the direction of the wind
Pulpit - a raised platform where a priest or minister stands when leading a worship service
Hallelujah - a shout or song of praise or thanks to God
Narcotics - a drug (as opium or morphine) that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and induces profound sleep but in excessive doses causes stupor, coma, or convulsions
A brief summary of the poem
The poem begins with a strong assertion that death is not final. Beyond death existence continues intangible to the senses of the living. It invites us to participate in it but it is confusing - difficult to comprehend for mortals. There have been many human attempts to understand this state beyond life such as philosophy, wisdom and religion. Throughout history people have sought understanding but this has lead to death on occasion - self sacrifice and martyrdom are referred to directly. These questions about immortality are challenging and provocative to faith and certainty. We are desperate to know the answer and use every piece of evidence to try and make sense of the situation. The church offers strong guidance in sermons and song. But we are left unsatisfied - intellectual speculations are perceived as distractions at trying to understand the concept. Doubt continues to undermine the assertions and empty gestures presented to us through faith. So the poem begins with strong assertions and ends with doubt.
