The Deepest Dream Poem by Mark Van Doren

The Deepest Dream

Rating: 2.9


The deepest dream is of mad governors,
Down, down we feel it, till the very crust
Of the world cracks, and where there was no dust,
Atoms of ruin rise. Confusion stirs,
And fear; and all our thoughts--dark scavengers--
Feed on the center's refuse. Hope is thrust
Like wind away, and love sinks into lust
For merest safety, meanest of levelers.

And then we wake. Or do we? Sleep endures
More than the morning can, when shadows lie
Sharper than mountains, and the cleft is real
Between us and our kings. What sun assures
Our courage, and what evening by and by
Descends to rest us, and perhaps to heal?

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Susan Williams 13 January 2016

Every single word builds this scene, build this emotion, builds these thoughts. These lines are just an example of the beauty this poet is capable of creating: The deepest dream is of mad governors, Down, down we feel it, till the very crust Of the world cracks, and where there was no dust, Atoms of ruin rise.

27 0 Reply
M Asim Nehal 13 January 2016

Superb poem, I liked it thanks for sharing...10

1 0 Reply
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Mark Van Doren

Mark Van Doren

Hope, Illinois,
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