To Count Tolstoy

By Victor B. Neuburg

Published in the Agnostic Journal

London, England

23 April 1904

(page 259)

Dear Tolstoy, there's no doubt I shalt agree

With all you say when I'm ninety-one;

But as I'm only twenty now, you see,

(And young at that!), I mean to have some fun!

I will not crush my nature 'neath my heel

To please a problematic tyrant God;

Great Caesar! Tolstoy! I'm a man, and feel,

Perhaps I shan't when I'm beneath the sod!

What shall Achievement's glittering heights afford?

Thence came an echo with each scented breeze,

But never have I heard your ghostly Lord:

I serve not ghosts. It's men that I would please.

Doubtless, when I am old, I'll be as thou;

But now? I happen to be living now!

[420]