Read "A Poet" by William Dean Howells online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
From wells where Truth in secret lay / He saw the midnight stars by day.
"O marvellous gift! " the many cried, / "O cruel gift! " his voice replied.
The stars were far, and cold, and high, / That glimmered in the noonday sky;
He yearned toward the sun in vain, / That warmed the lives of other men.