the waking

                                                               theodore roethke

 

 

 

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.

I learn by going where I have to go.

 

We think by feeling. What is there to know?

I hear my being dance from ear to ear.

I wake to sleep  and take my waking slow,

 

Of those close beside me, which are you?

God bless the ground!   I shall walk softly there,

And learn by going where I have to go.

 

Light takes the Tree;  but who can tell us how?

The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

 

Great Nature has another thing to do

To you and me;  so take the lively air,

And lovely,  learn by going where to go.

 

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.

What falls away is always. And is near.

I wake to sleep and take my waking slow.

I learn by going where I have to go.

 

 

 

home.