Man, the Despot of Contraries (SAP 025)

This poem of Sri Aurobindo reveals the contradicting tendencies in man.

MAN, THE DESPOT OF CONTRARIES

I am greater than the greatness of the seas,
      A swift tornado of God-energy:
A helpless flower that quivers in the breeze,
      I am weaker than the reed one breaks with ease.

I harbour all the wisdom of the wise
      In my nature of stupendous Ignorance;
On a flame of righteousness I fix my eyes
      While I wallow in sweet sin and join hell’s dance.

My mind is brilliant like a full-orbed moon,
      Its darkness is the caverned troglodyte’s.
I gather long Time’s wealth and squander soon;
      I am an epitome of opposites.

I with repeated life death’s sleep surprise;
I am a transience of the eternities.