THE WAKING
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 behind me, which are you?
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.
__

 
 
Theodore Roethke
1908-1963

A poet who published several volumes of critically acclaimed verse. He is widely regarded as among the most accomplished and influential poets of his generation.

••• BIOGRAPHY •••

~ Scored for Harp and Woodwind Quintet ~

Dent-de-Lion du Midi
Composer

Jeffri Lynn Carrington
Soprano
roethke sig 01.jpg

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