Classic Poem

As I was walking in my lunar dream
Up those dim stairs that lead to break of day,
My soul's chimera barred the starry way,
And broke the thread-like hope, the glimmering beam;

Methought my spirit pealed a stifled scream, —
So hideous-fair the monster, loud and gay,
So turbulent and blithe, in riotous play.
It called upon me, shouting, to blaspheme:

And my weak flesh, pledg'd to God's work and word,
Discreet and mild, subdued to yearn and learn,
Almost redeemed, a blanching miracle, —
Flushing deep red, with acrid juices stirred,
Before this vast brute, gross and taciturn,
Rolled, crashing, back into the heart of hell.