The Rebel

    NO DOUBT the ordered worlds speed on
        With purpose in their wings;
    No doubt the ordered songs are sweet
        Each worthy angel sings;
    And doubtless it is wise to heed
        The ordered words of Kings;

    But how the heart leaps up to greet
        The headlong, rebel flight,
    Whenas some reckless meteor
        Blazes across the night!
    Some comet--Byron--Lucifer--
        Has dared to Be, and fight!

    No doubt but it is safe to dwell
        Where ordered duties are;
    No doubt the cherubs earn their wage
        Who wind each ticking star;

    No doubt the system is quite right!--
        Sane, ordered, regular;

    But how the rebel fires the soul
        Who dares the strong gods' ire!
    Each Byron!--Shelley!--Lucifer!--
        And all the outcast choir
    That chant when some Prometheus
        Leaps up to steal Jove's fire!

        Don Marquis