Sri Aurobindo

Collected Poems

SABCL - Volume 5

II. Sonnets
1930–1950

Moments

If perfect moments on the peak of things,

These tops of knowledge, greatness, ecstasy,

Are only moments, this too enough could¹ be.

I have assumed² the rapid flaming wings

Of souls whom the Ignorance black-robed Nature brings

And the frail littleness of mortality

Can bind not always; a high sovereignty

Makes them awhile creation’s radiant kings.

These momentary upliftings of the soul

Prepare the spirit’s glorious permanence.

The peace of God, a great still transience³,

Is now my being’s⁴ boundless atmosphere.

All parts are gathered into a timeless whole;

All moments last⁵ in an eternal Year.

Later edition of this work: The Complete Works of Sri Aurobindo.- Set in 37 volumes.- Volume 2.- Collected Poems.- Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, 2009.- 751 p.

¹ 2009 ed. CWSA, vol.2: might

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² 2009 ed. CWSA, vol.2: put on

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³ a great calm immanence. In 2009 ed. CWSA, vol.2: a mighty transience

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⁴ 2009 ed. CWSA, vol.2: spirit’s

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⁵ 2009 ed. CWSA, vol.2: blaze

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