Author: Gilbert Keith Chesterton

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    All round they murmur, 'O profane,
    Keep thy heart's secret hid as gold';
    But I, by God, would sooner be
    Some knight in shattering wars of old,

    In brown outlandish arms to ride,
    And shout my love to every star
    With lungs to make a poor maid's name
    Deafen the iron ears of war.

    Here, where these subtle cowards crowd,
    To stand and so to speak of love,
    That the four corners of the world
    Should hear it and take heed thereof.

    That to this shrine obscure there be
    One witness before all men given,
    As naked as the hanging Christ,
    As shameless as the sun in heaven.

    These whimperers--have they spared to us
    One dripping woe, one reeking sin?
    These thieves that shatter their own graves
    To prove the soul is dead within.

    They talk; by God, is it not time
    Some of Love's chosen broke the girth,
    And told the good all men have known
    Since the first morning of the earth?

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a vivid exploration of the themes of love, authenticity, and courage against societal pressures. The speaker exhibits a defiant tone, challenging the societal norms of concealing passionate emotions. He expresses a desire to be like a knight from ancient wars, a symbol of bravery and forthrightness, who would boldly proclaim his love to the world. This imagery, juxtaposed with the description of the "subtle cowards," creates a stark contrast, emphasizing the speaker's disdain for those who suppress their emotions and live inauthentic lives.

The poem's structure adds to its overall impact. The poet utilizes a consistent quatrain structure, which serves to underscore the speaker's assuredness in his beliefs. The use of powerful metaphors, such as being "as naked as the hanging Christ" and "as shameless as the sun in heaven," further emphasizes the speaker's commitment to his audacious proclamation of love. This grandeur is juxtaposed with the final stanza's condemnation of those who deny the essence of love and life, reinforcing the poem's central theme. The poet's language is both assertive and passionate, conveying a sense of urgency and intensity. The repeated invocation of "God" and religious imagery adds a layer of spiritual fervor, suggesting the speaker's conviction in love as a divine and universal truth.