The Man to the Angel by George William Russell
The Man to the Angel is a poem written by George William Russell that explores the relationship between humanity and divinity. The speaker in the poem addresses an angel, asking for guidance on how to live a meaningful life. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with questions of faith, purpose, and mortality. Ultimately, the poem suggests that true fulfillment can only be found through a connection with something greater than oneself.
By George William Russell · First published 1923 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Spiritual · 215 words
First lines
I have wept a million tears: / Pure and proud one, where are thine, / What the gain though all thy years / In unbroken beauty shine?
All your beauty cannot win / Truth we learn in pain and sighs: / You can never enter in / To the circle of the wise.
They are but the slaves of light / Who have never known the gloom, / And between the dark and bright / Willed in freedom their own doom.
Think not in your pureness there, / That our pain but follows sin: / There are fires for those who dare / Seek the throne of might to win.
What this Textopian page supports
The Man to the Angel is listed on Textopian as a poem by George William Russell, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George William Russell
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Spiritual, Symbolism, Mysticism
- Length: 215 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Man to the Angel by George William Russell
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Similar titles
- The Morning Star by George William Russell
- The Vesture Of The Soul by George William Russell
- Dawn by George William Russell
- Day by George William Russell
- The Divine Vision by George William Russell
- The Parting Of Ways by George William Russell
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep philosophical questions about truth, wisdom, and the nature of suffering.
- Spiritual — The text delves into spiritual concepts, referencing purity, the divine, and existential struggles.
- Symbolism — The use of symbolic language and imagery, such as light and darkness, conveys deeper meanings beyond the literal text.
Tags
spirituality · mysticism · philosophy · Irish literature · poetry · symbolism · nature · self-discovery · transcendence · dreams · imagination · inner journey