Struck, Was I, Not Yet by Lightning
poem 925
Struck, Was I, Not Yet by Lightning - meaning Summary
Resilience After Loss
The speaker describes suffering and loss that never fully annihilate them. They list wounds and thefts—lightning, maiming, robbery—yet insist no clear enemy has conquered their inner self. Paradoxically, they cherish the very cause that "slew" them, experiencing repeated small deaths held in place by another’s recognition. Sun and setting imagery suggest endings that conceal a private, unseen renewal reflected in the observer’s eyes.
Read Complete AnalysesStruck, was I, not yet by Lightning Lightning lets away Power to perceive His Process With Vitality. Maimed was I yet not by Venture Stone of stolid Boy Nor a Sportsman’s Peradventure Who mine Enemy? Robbed was I intact to Bandit All my Mansion torn Sun withdrawn to Recognition Furthest shining done Yet was not the foe of any Not the smallest Bird In the nearest Orchard dwelling Be of Me afraid. Most I love the Cause that slew Me. Often as I die Its beloved Recognition Holds a Sun on Me Best at Setting as is Nature’s Neither witnessed Rise Till the infinite Aurora In the other’s eyes.
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