AWAKENING
To open both your drowsy eyes,
To stretch your limbs and realise
That day is here.
To watch the dancing, shifting beam
Of sun, awake yet half in dream,
Uncertain if the fitful gleam
Be far or near.
To turn with soft, contented sigh,
And through the window watch the sky,
All opal blue.
To feel the air steal in the room,
Made fragrant by the soft perfume
Of lime-trees, when their scented bloom
Is damp with dew.
To hear the rustling voice of leaves,
The chirp of birds beneath the eaves,
But now awake.
The tiny hum of timid things
That fly with gauzy, fragile wings,
Where yet the dusk to daylight clings,
When mornings break.
To feel the soul look forth and smile,
Contented with each fruitful mile
That it beholds.
To hear the heart beat loud and strong,
In unison with Nature's song,
That echoes tremulous and long
While dawn unfolds.
To know yourself a thing complete,
With strength of mind and limb replete,
With vast desire;
A creature made to dominate
The lesser things of earth, a fate
On whom the universe must wait,
With force entire.
And then to cry in deep delight
God made the world and made it right;
Dear Heaven above!
Was ere completeness so complete,
Was ever sweetness half so sweet,
Was ever loving half so meet;
Thank God for love.