THE AWAKENING

When the white dawn comes

I shall kneel to welcome it;

The dread that darkened on my eyes

Shall vanish and be gone.

I shall look upon it

As the parched on fountains,

Yet it was the blinding night

That taught the joy of dawn.

When the first bird sings,

Oh, I shall hear rejoicing,

And all my life shall thrill to it

And all my heart draw near.

I shall lean to listen

Lest a note elude me,

Yet it was the fearsome night

That taught me how to hear.

When the sun comes up

I shall lift my arms to it;

The fear of fear shall fall from me

As shackles from a slave.

I shall run to hail it,

Free and unbewildered,

Yet it was the silent night

That taught me to be brave.