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.