Canto 30The Ways of the Spirit [1]
Book 16. Part Seven - Pondicherry Circa 1927 – 1947
Sonnets
All here is Spirit
All here is Spirit self-moved eternally
For Matter is its seeming or its form,
5A finite motion of Infinity
Built up by energy’s electric storm,
A flux of solid instability
Whirled into shape by a tremendous Force
That labours out the world’s fabric endlessly,
10Creates and then destroys without remorse
Titan and worm, the dew-drop and the sea,
Our fragile bodies like the aeoned star,
But through it all remains immortally
The secret spirit we for ever are.
15Matter is Spirit’s semblance glamorous
Self-woven for its own field and robe and house.
The Ways of the Spirit [1]
What points ascending Nature to her goal?
’Tis not man’s lame transcribing intellect
20With its carved figures rigid and erect
But the far subtle vision of his soul.
His instruments have served his weakness well
But they must change to tread the paths of Fire
That lead through his calm self immeasurable
25To the last rapture’s incandescent spire.
The spirit keeps for him its ample ways,
A sense that takes the world into our being,
A close illumined touch and intimate seeing,
Wide Thought that is a god’s ensphering gaze,
30A tranquil heart in sympathy with all,
A will wide-winging, armed, imperial.