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.