A Certain Man

Jean Toomer

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A certain man wishes to be a prince
Of this earth; he also wants to be
A saint and master of the being-world.
Conscience cannot exist in the first:
The second cannot exist without conscience.
Therefore he, who has enough conscience
To be disturbed but not enough to be
Compelled, can neither reject the one
Nor follow the other...

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Comments1
  • richeldridge1

    Just absorbed some of Jean Toomer's thought-provoking words. His phrases about the internal struggle between wanting to rule the earth as a prince, while aspiring to be a saint and master is truly fascinating. Intriguing take on the interplay of conscience and desires within us. Leaves you introspecting!