HERO-WORSHIP

By Amy Lowell

A face seen passing in a crowded street,

A voice heard singing music, large and free;

And from that moment life is changed, and we

Become of more heroic temper, meet

To freely ask and give, a man complete

Radiant because of faith, we dare to be

What Nature meant us. Brave idolatry

Which can conceive a hero! No deceit,

No knowledge taught by unrelenting years,

Can quench this fierce, untamable desire.

We know that what we long for once achieved

Will cease to satisfy. Be still our fears;

If what we worship fail us, still the fire

Burns on, and it is much to have believed.