The world is now our dwelling-place;

Where'er the earth one fading trace

Of what was great and free does keep,

That is our home!...

Mild thoughts of man's ungentle race

Shall our contented exile reap;

For who that in some happy place

His own free thoughts can freely chase

By woods and waves can clothe his face

In cynic smiles? Child! we shall weep.

#exile #existentialism #human cruelty #melancholy #percy bysshe shelley

Related poems →

More by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Read "I" by Percy Bysshe Shelley. One of the best and most popular poems on The Poet's Place. Discover more trending, inspiring, and beautiful poetry by Percy Bysshe Shelley.