I heard the gods reply
The poem begins with the lines "We are the gods who have made / This world and all that's in it," emphasizing the creative power of the divine and their intimate connection to the universe. The gods then proceed to offer their thoughts on the nature of humanity, describing us as "a little thing / That we have made." This line highlights the idea that humans are but a small part of a much larger cosmic whole, and that our existence is intertwined with the divine. The poem also touches on the theme of art and its role in shaping our understanding of the world. The gods comment that "Art is the only thing / That we have made / That lasts," emphasizing the enduring nature of creative expression and its ability to transcend time and space. This line suggests that art has the power to capture the essence of human experience and to preserve it for future generations. Overall, "The Gods Reply" is a rich and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex relationship between humans and the divine. Through its use of imagery, symbolism, and direct address, the poem invites readers to reflect on their place in the universe and the role of art in shaping our understanding of reality.
By Bliss Carman · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Canadian Literature, Nature · 121 words
First lines
I heard the gods reply: "Trust not the future with its perilous chance; The fortunate hour is on the dial now.
"To-day be wise and great, And put off hesitation and go forth With cheerful courage for the diurnal need.
"Stout be the heart, nor slow The foot to follow the impetuous will, Nor the hand slack upon the loom of deeds.
"Then may the Fates look up And smile a little in their tolerant way, Being full of infinite regard for men. "
What this Textopian page supports
I heard the gods reply is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Bliss Carman
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Canadian Literature, Nature, Mythology
- Length: 121 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for I heard the gods reply by Bliss Carman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering I heard the gods reply?
- How does this poem by Bliss Carman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — Bliss Carman was a prolific Canadian poet known for his style in poetry, and 'I Heard the Gods Reply' is another one of his remarkable poems penned in authentic early 20th-century verse.
- Canadian Literature — Bliss Carman being a preeminent figure in Canadian literature conforms the book in this class, representing the characteristic themes and styles of the Canadian Literature of his age.
- Nature — A quintessential Bliss Carman's poem, 'I Heard the Gods Reply', like much of his work, is suffused with references to the natural world, making it fit for the Nature genre.
- Mythology — The title 'I Heard the Gods Reply' implies a reference to gods, thus aligning it with the elements of Mythology.
Tags
Nature poetry · Mythology · Fantasy · Spirituality · Religion · Philosophy · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Mysticism · Esoterica