The Poet's Love For Liveliness

Read 'The Poet's Love For Liveliness' by 'Victor Hugo' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

The Poet's Love For Liveliness by Victor Hugo

 ("Moi, quelque soit le monde.") 
 
 {XV., May 11, 1830.} 


 For me, whate'er my life and lot may show, 
 Years blank with gloom or cheered by mem'ry's glow, 
 Turmoil or peace; never be it mine, I pray, 
 To be a dweller of the peopled earth, 
 Save 'neath a roof alive with children's mirth 
 Loud through the livelong day. 
 
 So, if my hap it be to see once more 
 Those scenes my footsteps tottered in before, 
 An infant follower in Napoleon's train: 
 Rodrigo's holds, Valencia and Leon, 
 And both Castiles, and mated Aragon; 
 Ne'er be it mine, O Spain! 
 
 To pass thy plains with cities scant between, 
 Thy stately arches flung o'er deep ravine, 
 Thy palaces, of Moor's or Roman's time; 
 Or the swift makings of thy Guadalquiver, 
 Save in those gilded cars, where bells forever 
 Ring their melodious chime. 
 
 Fraser's Magazine 


 





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