Poetry Day - I learn by going

Soph wrote a villanelle during the week, which is very impressive. I really like the villanelle form, and have had half a mind to attempt one since the poetry course I did last year, but you need two good lines (and I haven't invested much in trying to find them). But today here is another villanelle. The philosophy behind it might be veering towards pantheism, but "I learn by going where I have to go" is a great line.

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 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.

Picture from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spursfan_ace/966696536/