The Dream

The following poem is by Theodore Roethke.

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The Waking

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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.

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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.

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Of those so close behind me, which are you?

God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,

And learn by going where I have to go.

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Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?

The lonely worm climbs up a winding stair;

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

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Great Nature has another thing to do

To you and me; so take the lively air;

And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

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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.

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Theodore Roethke.

Soon

Soon

Bundled, trussed and wrapped

In wool, feather and fleece

Tight. Skin a flag of pursed pores

Waiting to fly and unfurl

A freckled release.

I have x rayed these bones for what

Seems like millenia. A fossil in the mud

Of three hundred sleeps

Soon, please, they will unroll and realign

Recognize I am newly awake, like the world.

Ok, it’s a poem and I am not a poet. Be kind now.