The Real Romantic (a poem)

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Here is a poem I completed on the eve of the 100th anniversary of Ayn Rand's birth. I wrote it in memory of her, but especially to honor all the heroes she created and made possible. Tell me about other real-life heroes it makes you think of (e.g. Steve Fossett). I know of several, but I'm sure there are many more (and there can never be too many). Enjoy.

The Real Romantic

The real romantic lives in a joyful universe,

With passion pursuing a life-sustaining purpose.

Still, it's not enough. To save his blessings from a curse

He sanctifies his soul through a stylistic focus.

Resurrected gold casts an everlasting rainbow:

Prosperity distilled into paintings, film, and stone.

Melodious music is of the mind an echo:

The rhythm of life's motion in each melodic tone.

Romantic literature reveals reality

Through every chosen goal: to struggle, or surrender.

Our pleasures conceived are born of rationality;

But unless we would err, one thing we must remember:

The choice to live on earth becomes the real romantic;

With concepts he can fly; his wings are made--of logic!

-Jasen Alexander

Another inspiration, the Certainty Site of James Sedgwick, can be found here:

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Well I have revised this poem...again.  I think it is a great improvement, but on the other hand, I've thought that over a dozen times with each revision.  (A perfectionist's work is never complete.)

I'd like to know if anyone reading this (*if* anyone is reading this) likes one or more lines in particular.  I have my own favorite, but I'll save revealing it until I've heard from a few of you first.  Also, if you prefer the earlier version, let me know why.  That would be especially interesting to me, and useful to my writing.

There also remains one line that I can't stand, but despite revisions I am so far unable to come up with anything that doesn't sound awkward or forced.  Tell me if you think you know which line I'm referring to.

The Real Romantic

The real romantic lives in a joyful universe,

With passion pursuing a life-sustaining purpose.

Being sure to save her blessings from an ancient curse,

She sanctifies her soul through a stylistic focus:

Resurrected gold casts an everlasting rainbow;

Prosperity explodes: painting walls and shaping stone.

Harmonious music is of the mind an echo:

The rhythm of life's motion in each melodic tone.

Romantic literature reveals reality

Through every chosen goal: to struggle, or surrender.

Our pleasures conceived are born of rationality;

But unless we would err, one thing we must remember:

Fighting for the future becomes the real romantic,

And a lovely world percieves through the eyes of logic.

-Jasen Alexander

Another inspiration, the Certainty Site of James Sedgwick, can be found here:

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