The Village Atheist
Ye young debaters over the doctrine Of the soul's immortality I who lie here was the village atheist, Talkative, contentious, versed in the arguments Of the infidels. But through a long sickness Coughing myself to death I read the Upanishads and the poetry of Jesus. And they lighted a torch of hope and intuition And desire which the Shadow Leading me swiftly through the caverns of darkness, Could not extinguish. Listen to me, ye who live in the senses And think through the senses only: Immortality is not a gift, Immortality is an achievement; And only those who strive mightily Shall possess it.
AI analysis available. Enable JavaScript to interact.
About this line
"Ye young debaters over the doctrine..."
Exploring the themes of classic, Edgar Lee Masters delivers a powerful performance in "The Village Atheist"... ### Why We Love This Line At Linespedia, we believe that poetry is the ultimate sanctuary for the soul...