I think continually of those who were truly great.
Who, from the womb, remembered the soul's history
Through corridors of light where the hours are suns,
Endless and singing. Whose lovely ambition
Was that their lips, still touched with fire,
Should tell of the spirit clothed from head to foot in song.


"I Think of Those Who Were Truly Great"; also in Collected Poems 1928-1953 (1955) · Full text online and audio file of recitation by Spender, at the Poetry Archive - Poems (1933)

Internet Archive The Truly Great | poetryarchive.org

Stephen Spender Quotes

I think continually of those who were truly great. Who, from the womb, remembered the soul's history Through corridors of light where the hours are...

I think continually of those who were truly great. Who, from the womb, remembered the soul's history Through corridors of light where the hours are...

I think continually of those who were truly great. Who, from the womb, remembered the soul's history Through corridors of light where the hours are...

I think continually of those who were truly great. Who, from the womb, remembered the soul's history Through corridors of light where the hours are...