He that goes back does, since he goes, advance,

He that goes back does, since he goes, advance,

Though he doth not advance who goeth back,

And he that seeks, though he on nothing chance,

May still by words be said to find a lack.

This paradox of having, that is nought

In the world's meaning of the things it screens,

Is yet true of the substance of pure thought

And there means something by the nought it means.

For thinking nought does on nought being confer,

As giving not is acting not to give,

And, to the same unbribed true thought, to err

Is to find truth, though by its negative.

So why call this world false, if false to be

Be to be aught, and being aught Being to be?

Form: Italian Sonnet Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace