Those Who Do Not Dance

By Gabriela Mistral

A crippled child

Said, “How shall I dance?”

Let your heart dance

We said.

Then the invalid said:

“How shall I sing?”

Let your heart sing

We said

Then spoke the poor dead thistle,

But I, how shall I dance?”

Let your heart fly to the wind

We said.

Then God spoke from above

“How shall I descend from the blue?”

Come dance for us here in the light

We said.

All the valley is dancing

Together under the sun,

And the heart of him who joins us not

Is turned to dust, to dust.