8 Must-Read George Santayana Poems

George Santayana was a poet, novelist, and philosopher who is also remembered for his novels, aphorisms, and cultural criticisms. His most important works include The Life of Reason and Skepticism and Animal Faith. Some of his poems are ‘There May be Chaos Still Around the World’ and ‘The Poet’s Testament.’

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There May Be Chaos Still Around The World

‘There May Be Chaos Still Around The World’ by George Santayana describes a speaker who has escaped the world at large and is only existing within his own mind.

This poem is widely regarded as a good example of Santayana's poetry. George Santayana was a renowned philosopher, essayist, and poet, known for his profound insights into human nature and the human condition. The poem reflects Santayana's contemplation on the state of the world and the persistence of chaos despite our aspirations for peace and harmony. It explores themes of uncertainty and human experience.

There may be chaos still around the world,

This little world that in my thinking lies;

For mine own bosom is the paradise

Where all my life’s fair visions are unfurled.

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Mont Brevent

‘Mont Brevent’ by George Santayana looks up in awe and finds solace in the sight of a majestic mountain peak.

This poem by George Santayana belongs to that special category of verse composed in remembrance of a specific locale visited by the author. In this case, a well-known mountain peak in the French Alps made enough of an impression on him to immortalize it as a symbol of nature's enduring tranquility.

O dweller in the valley, lift thine eyes

To where, above the drift of cloud, the stone

Endures in silence, and to God alone

Upturns its furrowed visage, and is wise.

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A Toast

‘A Toast’ by George Santayana is a passionate poem that gives thanks to wine’s euphoric effects.

This lengthy poem by George Santayana seeks to articulate all the many benefits and joys to be found in the consumption of wine. Exploring its many symbolic associations with passion, nostalgia, love, and vivacious inspiration. Ultimately, the poem is quite positive in its esteem of this specific alcoholic beverage.

See this bowl of purple wine,

Life-blood of the lusty vine!

All the warmth of summer suns

In the vintage liquid runs,

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Decima

‘Decima’ by George Santayana is a beautiful poem that contemplates the lessons to be gleaned from nature.

George Santayana's poem is a deeply moving contemplation about the nature of living things. In observing the daisies, the speaker finds themselves desiring to replicate their stoic manner. In many ways, the poem gives voice to the immense respect that the poet had for nature, as well as their tendency to perceive lessons of character crucial to humanity therein.

Silent daisies out of reach,

Maidens of the starry grass,

Gazing on me as I pass

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I would I might Forget that I am I

‘I would I might Forget that I am I’ by George Santayana is a despairing sonnet that grapples earnestly but in vain with the constraining conditions of mortality.

George Santayana's poem provides a powerful plea to forget one's life and self in favor of another existence. This comes in the form of the speaker's desperate desire to be unchained from the deeds that bind them to who they are while also envying the variable freedom enjoyed by other animals and beings.

I would I might forget that I am I,

And break the heavy chain that binds me fast,

Whose links about myself my deeds have cast.

What in the body’s tomb doth buried lie

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Slow and reluctant was the long descent

‘Slow and reluctant was the long descent’ by George Santayana elucidates the bittersweetness of undertaking a solo journey and finding solace in one’s tranquil environment.

At the center of this George Santayana poem is the expression of a near-universal feeling. One that manifests as both a reluctance and regret for leaving behind one place in order to disembark for another. Although the details of the speaker's reasons are left ambiguous, this only lends the poem versatility in appealing to all kinds of readers who might share similar feelings.

Slow and reluctant was the long descent,

With many farewell pious looks behind,

And dumb misgivings where the path might wind,

And questionings of nature, as I went.

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Slowly The Black Earth Gains

‘Slowly The Black Earth Gains’ by George Santayana is a poem that expresses great admiration for the persevering toil of a farmer.

The purpose of this poem by George Santayana is to celebrate the essential and enriching work done by both man and animal. Its imagery hones in on the intense labor required of them as they work the fields, but the speaker also imbues a greater symbolic significance to their efforts. It reveals in the process the inherent virtue and nobility of such work.

Slowly the black earth gains upon the yellow,

And the caked hill-side is ribbed soft with furrows.

Turn now again, with voice and staff, my ploughman,

Guiding thy oxen.

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The Poet’s Testament

‘The Poet’s Testament’ by George Santayana explores a speaker’s learned peace in death. He is content with his final contribution to the planet.

I give back to the earth what the earth gave,

All to the furrow, none to the grave,

The candle's out, the spirit's vigil spent;

Sight may not follow where the vision went.

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