Poem by Arthur Conan Doyle

«Songs of the Road» (1911). 17. Man's Limitation

Man says that He is jealous,
Man says that He is wise,
Man says that He is watching
From His throne beyond the skies.

But perchance the arch above us
Is one great mirror's span,
And the Figure seen so dimly
Is a vast reflected man.

If it is love that gave us
A thousand blossoms bright,
Why should that love not save us
From poisoned aconite?

If this man blesses sunshine
Which sets his fields aglow,
Shall that man curse the tempest
That lays his harvest low?

If you may sing His praises
For health He gave to you,
What of this spine-curved cripple,
Shall he sing praises too?

If you may justly thank Him
For strength in mind and limb,
Then what of yonder weakling —
Must he give thanks to Him?

Ah dark, too dark, the riddle!
The tiny brain too small!
We call, and fondly listen,
For answer to that call.

There comes no word to tell us
Why this and that should be,
Why you should live with sorrow,
And joy should live with me. 

1. «Songs of the Road» (1911). 4. A Post-Impressionist
2. «The Guards Came Through» (1919). 5. The Guns in Sussex
3. «Songs of the Road» (1911). 8. The Outcasts
4. «Songs of the Road» (1911). 9. The End
5. «Songs of the Road» (1911). 3. The Arab Steed

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