This poem explores the tension between spiritual calling and worldly ambition. The speaker grapples with the idea of leaving behind a life of comfort and security to answer a higher purpose. The poem presents a nuanced view of faith, highlighting both its transformative power and its potential for self-deception. Through the speaker's inner conflict, the poem raises questions about the nature of true devotion and the costs of following one's conscience.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1863 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Inspirational Literature, Lyric Poetry