Had I the Power that have the Will

Name: Had I the Power that have the Will
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem expresses a longing for the power to manifest one's will into reality, contrasting the strength of desire with the weakness of willpower. The speaker envisions a perfect garden filled with beauty and tranquility, symbolizing creativity and artistic expression. This idealized space is populated by marble statues, representing timelessness and inspiration, and is designed to awaken the senses and nurture the spirit. The garden serves as a sanctuary for those who suffer, offering solace and healing to "stricken hearts." The speaker emphasizes the importance of love and labor, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from active engagement with life rather than passive existence. The imagery of the garden reflects a desire for harmony between nature, creativity, and human connection, highlighting the transformative power of art and the necessity of will to bring such visions to fruition. Ultimately, the work grapples with the tension between aspiration and reality, illustrating the struggle to translate inner desires into tangible outcomes. The speaker's yearning for power underscores a universal theme of human experience: the quest for agency in a world often constrained by limitations.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 146 words

First lines

HAD I the power that have the will, The enfeebled will-a modern curse- This book of mine should blossom still A perfect garden-ground of verse.

White placid marble gods should keep Good watch in every shadowy lawn; And from clean, easy-breathing sleep The birds should waken me at dawn.

-A fairy garden; -none the less Throughout these gracious paths of mine All day there should be free access For stricken hearts and lives that pine;

And by the folded lawns all day- No idle gods for such a land- All active Love should take its way With active Labour hand in hand.

What this Textopian page supports

Had I the Power that have the Will is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1891 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1891 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical, Nature Writing, Lyric
Length: 146 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of will, desire, and the idealization of a perfect garden.
Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and emotional expression align with Romantic ideals, emphasizing personal feelings and the sublime.
Philosophical — The exploration of will versus power reflects philosophical inquiries into human agency and desire.
Nature Writing — The vivid imagery of gardens and nature suggests a strong connection to the natural world.