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Theodore Roethke – The Waking
Identifier
012540
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
Theodore Roethke – 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 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