Here undoubtedly lies the chief poetic energy:-in the force of imagination that pierces or exalts the solid fact, instead of floating among cloud-pictures. To glory in a prophetic vision of knowledge covering the earth, is an easier exercise of believing imagination than to see its beginning in newspaper placards, staring at you from the bridge beyond the corn-fields; and it might well happen to most of us dainty people that we were in the thick of the battle of Armageddon without being aware of anything more than the annoyance of a little explosive smoke and struggling on the ground immediately about us.
The excerpt reflects on the nature of poetic energy, suggesting that true imagination enhances reality rather than detaches from it. This powerful imagination enables individuals to grasp the deeper truths behind observable facts, going beyond mere fantasy to engage with the world's tangible elements. It emphasizes the difference between lofty visions and the mundane realities that surround us, illustrating how people often overlook significant events happening right in front of them.
Moreover, the passage conveys the idea that while it is tempting to envision grand, prophetic ideals, the real challenge lies in acknowledging and embracing the complexities of daily life. The potential chaos of the "battle of Armageddon" symbolizes the struggles and conflicts we face, often without fully recognizing their immediate impact. This awareness calls for a heightened sensitivity to the world around us, reminding us that profound truths can exist in the challenges we experience daily.
