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 Grond! 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