Superfluous Were the Sun
poem 999
Superfluous Were the Sun - meaning Summary
When Praise Becomes Superfluous
The poem argues that conventional praise and visible recognition are unnecessary when true excellence or love is absent. If the central presence—"Excellence"—is gone, ordinary daily affirmations become empty. A small, faithful word can prevent despair, yet even commitment falters when asked to specify location or presence. The closing image presents fame as timeless and impersonal: periods rest upon a "dateless Fame" like anonymous stars falling from an abundant sky. Overall the poem contrasts authentic, sustaining presence with hollow routine praise and suggests that real worth transcends public acknowledgment.
Read Complete AnalysesSuperfluous were the Sun When Excellence be dead He were superfluous every Day For every Day be said That syllable whose Faith Just saves it from Despair And whose I’ll meet You hesitates If Love inquire Where? Upon His dateless Fame Our Periods may lie As Stars that drop anonymous From an abundant sky.
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