AT THE GATE

Swing open wide, O Gate,

That I may enter in

And see what lies in wait

For me who have been born!

Her word I only scorn

Who spake of death and sin.

I know what is behind

Your heavy brazen bars;

I heard it of the wind

Where I dwelt yesterday:

The wind that blows alway

Among the ancient stars.

Life is the chiefest thing

The wind brought knowledge of,

As it passed, murmuring:

Life, with its infinite strength,

And undiminished length

Of years fulfilled with love.

The wind spake not of sin

That blows among the stars;

And so I enter in

( Swing open wide, O Gate! )

Fearless of what may wait

Behind your heavy bars.