Here is a symbol in which
Many high tragic thoughts
Watch their own eyes.
This gray rock, standing tall
On the headland, where the seawind
Lets no tree grow,
Earthquake-proved, and signatured
By ages of storms: on its peak
A falcon has perched.
I think here is your emblem
To hang in the future sky;
Not the cross, not the hive,
But this; bright power, dark peace;
Fierce consciousness joined with final
Disinterestedness;
Life with calm death; the falcon’s
Realist eyes and act
Married to the massive
Mysticism of stone,
Which failure cannot cast down
Nor success make proud.
It’s basically a metaphor-he’s comparing himself to the rock and the hawk.
this poem is a powerful play between two symbols. one of steadfast and unmoving… pride almost, and one of savage brilliant power. the rock and the hawk.
the difference between the “bright power” and the “dark peace” is what, i feel, the poet is trying to bring across to his readers. and that where one thing is eternal, and the other momentary, they are no less important to each other.
i loved reading this poem, it gives this sense of fierce determination, and i can almost feel the sea wind on my face, hear the cry of the hawk.