Claude Templer
The reason is a wheel. It’s radius:
Infinity. It’s midmost point of all :
Heaven. Its utmost rim : Hell. As for us,
Wewhirl within the vortex. Wedon’t fall
Or rise, but outwards drift or inwards strive,
And though to drift is easy, a weird thrall
Enchants, entices everything alive
Towards that mystic midmost point of all.
The reason is a soul. My soul, your soul.
The soul of Paradise, the soul of Hell,
The soul of all creation. And the whole
Is boundless.’ Tis the cause of things as well
As their effect. And wisdom infinite
And love sublime, and bravery supreme,
At the great midmost point of all unite
Toform the supreme power that weaves the dream
And breathes the breath, and spins the magic spell.
Here is Joy’s Zenith, here is Heaven. Here love,
And they who on the field of honour fell :
They whowith dauntless will for wisdom strove:
They who for love’s sake suffered shame and pain
Upon the cross, shall after many turns
Ofthe great life wheel meet. Here once again
Lovers meet. Here the flame of worship burns.
Here Christ and Buddha and Mahomet reap
An equal harvest. Here the burning breath
Of love goes forth to waken those that sleep
In sin’s soft arms, goes forth to conquer death.
And they who on the utmost rim of Hell
Drift o’er the sunless seas of sorrow, even
The farthest drifted feel the magic spell:
This is their agony… to dream of Heaven.
© by owner. provided at no charge for educational purposes
You may find this and other poems here.
Analysis (AI Assisted)
This poem is a reflection on the universal forces that govern existence, with a particular focus on reason, love, and the soul. It uses the metaphor of a wheel to explore the cyclical nature of life and the tension between drifting and striving. The imagery is vast and cosmic, yet deeply personal, presenting life as both a shared experience and an individual journey toward enlightenment or despair.
The central metaphor of the wheel is striking in its simplicity and depth. The radius extends infinitely, encompassing all existence, while its center represents Heaven and its outer edge symbolizes Hell. This construction allows the poem to explore the movement of human souls within this framework. The idea of “drifting outwards” versus “striving inwards” suggests that life is a balance between passive existence and purposeful effort. The speaker warns of the ease of drifting, emphasizing that true fulfillment lies in striving toward the “mystic midmost point.”
The poem’s philosophical undertone is enriched by its exploration of the soul as the essence of all creation. The soul is described as the reason for and the result of existence, suggesting a circular logic that mirrors the wheel metaphor. This interconnectedness of cause and effect, wisdom, love, and bravery portrays life as a cohesive, though often mysterious, force.
The poem’s depiction of Heaven and Hell challenges traditional dichotomies. Heaven is not a place of exclusivity but a union of enlightenment, love, and courage. Figures like Christ, Buddha, and Mohammed are united at the wheel’s center, symbolizing a universal spiritual truth that transcends religious boundaries. This inclusivity suggests that all paths—when driven by love, wisdom, and sacrifice—lead to the same ultimate point.
Hell, on the other hand, is portrayed as a state of longing and separation rather than eternal damnation. Those on the “utmost rim” of the wheel experience agony not from punishment but from their awareness of Heaven and their distance from it. This perspective reframes Hell as a place of potential, where even the farthest souls can feel the pull of the divine center.
The poem’s tone is contemplative and reverent, blending grand cosmic themes with deeply human emotions. It celebrates those who strive for wisdom, endure suffering for love, and face life’s challenges with courage. The acknowledgment that “even the farthest drifted feel the magic spell” offers a hopeful vision: redemption and unity are possible for all.
At its heart, this poem is a meditation on the human condition, presenting life as a journey within an infinite wheel where love, wisdom, and bravery converge at the center. It invites readers to reflect on their own place in this grand structure and to strive inward toward meaning and connection.