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.
Reply To Censure
by Theodore Roethke
Repulse the staring eye,
The hostile gaze of hate,
And check the pedantry
Of the inveterate.
Defamers of the good.
They mock the deepest thoughts,
Condemn the fortitude
Whereby true work is wrought.
Though just men are reviled
When cravens cry them down,
The brave keep undefiled
A wisdom of their own.
The bold wear toughened skin
That keeps sufficient store
Of dignity within,
And quiet at the core.
Fourteen Lines 