This poem is actually contained within another work of literature — Jack London’s novel, The Iron Heel. The book’s narrator
, describes the text as her husband’s favorite poem and an encapsulation of his sprit, but it is also clearly a description of London’s own philosophy of life — his belief in the infinite power and potential of man and desire to experience everything the world had to offer. “How can a man, with thrilling, and burning, and exaltation, recite the following and still be mere mortal earth, a bit of fugitive force, an evanescent form?” Everhard asks. It’s a rhetorical question, of course; speak it aloud and see for yourself.