The Waking

     THE WAKING

     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 so 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.

                               -- Theodore Roethke