Herman Melville on art

[Josh]

Just ran across this interesting little poem from Herman Melville and thought I'd share it:

"Art"

In placid hours well-pleased we dream
Of many a brave unbodied scheme.
But form to lend, pulsed life create,
What unlike things must meet and mate:
A flame to melt--a wind to freeze;
Sad patience--joyous energies;
Humility-yet pride and scorn;
Instinct and study; love and hate;
Audacity--reverence. These must mate,
And fuse with Jacob's mystic heart
To wrestle with the angel--Art.

Herman Melville, 1891
 

[beautifulmess]

I enjoyed reading that. Thanks for posting it.