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Author: Arthur Hugh Clough


    O thou whose image in the shrine
    Of human spirits dwells divine;
    Which from that precinct once conveyed,
    To be to outer day displayed,
    Doth vanish, part, and leave behind
    Mere blank and void of empty mind,
    Which wilful fancy seeks in vain
    With casual shapes to fill again!

    O Thou that in our bosoms shrine
    Dost dwell, unknown because divine!
    I thought to speak, I thought to say,
    The light is here, behold the way,
    The voice was thus, and thus the word,
    And thus I saw, and that I heard,
    But from the lips that half essayed
    The imperfect utterance fell unmade.

    O Thou, in that mysterious shrine
    Enthroned, as I must say, divine!
    I will not frame one thought of what
    Thou mayest either be or not.
    I will not prate of thus and so,
    And be profane with yes and no,
    Enough that in our soul and heart
    Thou, whatsoer Thou mayst be, art.

    Unseen, secure in that high shrine
    Acknowledged present and divine,
    I will not ask some upper air,
    Some future day to place Thee there;
    Nor say, nor yet deny, such men
    And women saw Thee thus and then:
    Thy name was such, and there or here
    To him or her Thou didst appear.

    Do only Thou in that dim shrine,
    Unknown or known, remain, divine;
    There, or if not, at least in eyes
    That scan the fact that round them lies,
    The hand to sway, the judgment guide,
    In sight and sense Thyself divide:
    Be Thou but there, in soul and heart,
    I will not ask to feel Thou art.

Type of Poem: Reflective Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem under scrutiny is a profound meditation on divinity's elusive nature, the human quest for understanding, and the inherent power of faith. The poet employs a repetitive structure, repeatedly addressing an unnamed "Thou," which we infer to be a divine entity. This repetition underlines the theme of relentless seeking, the human need to understand and communicate with an enigmatic deity.

The poem is intricately woven with religious and philosophical undertones, using metaphors to convey the struggle of defining or understanding divinity. The poem's tone is primarily contemplative and introspective, moving between reverence, frustration, and acquiescence. It beautifully captures the paradox of experiencing something divine and yet being unable to articulate it fully or grasp its entirety.

The poet also uses the literary device of apostrophe, directly addressing the "Thou," thus creating an intangible dialogue between the human and the divine. The poet's struggle to verbalize the divine mirrors humanity's broader struggle to comprehend and articulate the divine experience. A sense of futility lingers in the lines, as seen in "The imperfect utterance fell unmade," indicating the limitations of language in capturing the divine.

The final stanzas suggest a resolution, a decision to cease trying to define or understand and instead acknowledge and accept the divine's presence. This acceptance is not passive but an active choice to experience divinity in the everyday, "In sight and sense Thyself divide." This resolution elevates the poem from a personal contemplation to a universal exploration of faith and the divine's role in human life.

Understanding Reflective Poetry

Reflective poetry is a form of verse that explores the thoughts, emotions, and meditations of the poet. It often delves into personal experiences, memories, and philosophical musings, offering a window into the poet's inner world.


Reflective poems are characterized by their introspective nature, allowing readers to connect with the poet’s contemplations on life, existence, and the human condition. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Personal Reflection: These poems often center on the poet's own thoughts and feelings, offering a deep dive into their emotional or intellectual state.
  • Philosophical Musings: Reflective poetry frequently addresses larger existential questions, providing a space for the poet to ponder life’s meaning, purpose, and the nature of reality.
  • Imagery and Symbolism: Poets use vivid imagery and rich symbolism to convey their reflections, often drawing on nature, art, or personal experiences to express complex ideas.
  • Quiet and Contemplative Tone: Reflective poems typically have a calm, meditative tone, inviting readers to pause and reflect alongside the poet.

Reflective poetry provides a unique avenue for exploring the poet’s inner world, inviting readers to engage in their own reflections as they journey through the verses.