I wrought me a lyric of fire and fear, And called on the…
““I wrought me a lyric of fire and fear, And called on the world to heed — Till strong men blenched at my haggard face And shuddered, but would not read. So I stole me the gold of the mines of Joy And fashioned a conscious lie — And they gave me the wreath of the kings of Song And prayed that I might not die! (For the lie that I wrought was as old as the world And dear as the vision of Heaven — Of the crimson lure of a maiden's lips And the myth of a sin forgiven!) But my heart was sick, and my soul grew less, With the light of my failing days, Because I had lied to my Knowledge-God For the pottage of human praise. O I clung to the rim of the cliffs of Hell And called on an empty Name — Till there dropped the tears of a weeping Truth And saved my soul from the flame. So I hid my soul in a maiden's hair, And climbed to a clearer view — And I found I had lied to a lying God, And the myth I had sung - was true!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Explores the conflict between artistic ambition, deception, and the search for authentic meaning, using mythic imagery.
In simple terms: Art can be a lie that reveals truth.
Key Takeaway
Question motives, seek authenticity.
Themes
art
deception
myth
redemption
identity
Mood
melancholic
hopeful
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- performance art
- personal crisis
- spiritual seeking
Key Concepts
creative expression
self‑reflection
mythic symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “wreath of the kings of Song” symbolize?
- Can a lie ever be true?
A Different Perspective
The poem’s self‑contradiction may confuse readers.