Jun 04 2012
William Wordsworth – To every Form of being is assigned
“To every Form of being is assigned,” (from The Excursion, Book 9)
by William Wordsworth
“To every Form of being is assigned,”
Thus calmly spake the venerable Sage,
“An ‘active’ Principle:–howe’er removed
From sense and observation, it subsists
In all things, in all natures; in the stars
Of azure heaven, the unenduring clouds,
In flower and tree, in every pebbly stone
That paves the brooks, the stationary rocks,
The moving waters, and the invisible air.
Whate’er exists hath properties that spread
Beyond itself, communicating good
A simple blessing, or with evil mixed;
Spirit that knows no insulated spot,
No chasm, no solitude; from link to link
It circulates, the Soul of all the worlds.
This is the freedom of the universe;
Unfolded still the more, more visible,
The more we know; and yet is reverenced least,
And least respected in the human Mind,
Its most apparent home.
— from Complete Poetical Works, by William Wordsworth
/ Photo by Randy Le’Moine Photography /
Whate’er exists hath properties that spread
Beyond itself, communicating good…
Dedicated today to Alan — a great soul, a man of joy, and quiet humility, and courage; drummer, long distance runner, friend. He passed away yesterday. Much love!
Spirit that knows no insulated spot,
No chasm, no solitude; from link to link
It circulates, the Soul of all the worlds.
This is the freedom of the universe…
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William Wordsworth
England (1770 – 1850) Timeline |
More poetry by William Wordsworth
Was Wordsworth a buddhist? Lovely………..
My heart goes out to you for the loss of your friend. It is strange though, that after someone passes, their image becomes like a solid object in the fog. Elucidated but not clear.
How lovely that he left with beautiful words in his wake.
A beautiful poem for a loved friend. Take care.
… “Spirit that knows no insulated spot,
No chasm, no solitude; from link to link
It circulates, the Soul of all the worlds.
This is the freedom of the universe” … w. wodrdsworth
Ivan, as you bereave for your friend, I empathize for you. We are living in a treacherous world of our myopic national interests. Thousands of people die in battle, and we cheer the heroic actions of killing. Our military men are our heroes, on the other side of the coin are traitors or insurgents. I hope this poem may be dedicated with love to departed or wounded souls for the sake of humanity that transcends boundaries. “Reason” is our best friend that has died from our soul!
My friend was discovered to be terminally ill a few weeks ago. As her life-force rapidly drains out, this poem inspired words for her birthday greetings today… Thank you.
With your efforts the last lines (quoted below) shall change:
‘and yet is reverenced least,
And least respected in the human Mind…’
What a beautiful tribute to your friend who recently made her transition.
A beautiful poem.