Theodore Roethke: The Waking

The Waking by 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 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.


copyright: Theodore Roethke