Sri Aurobindo

Collected Poems

CWSA.- Volume 2

Part Seven. Pondicherry
Sonnets from Manuscripts, c. 1934 – 1947

Moments

If perfect moments on the peak of things,

These tops of knowledge, greatness, ecstasy,

Are only moments, this too enough might¹ be.

I have put on² 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 mighty transience³,

Is now my spirit’s⁴ boundless atmosphere.

All parts are gathered into a timeless whole;

All moments blaze⁵ in an eternal year.

Earlier edition of this work: Sri Aurobindo Birth Century Library: Set in 30 volumes.- Volume 5.- Collected Poems.- Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Asram, 1972.- 625 p.

¹ 1972 ed. SABCL, vol.5: could

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² 1972 ed. SABCL, vol.5: assumed

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³ 1972 ed. SABCL, vol.5: a great still transience | a great calm immanence

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⁴ 1972 ed. SABCL, vol.5: being’s

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⁵ 1972 ed. SABCL, vol.5: last

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