Let Me Not Hide

O let me not hide like a thief from the radiance of life.

When the tide beckons, when the moon summons me; 

When a violet sigh stirs the night,

O let me not quiver as if beneath some ugly blade--

But let my love leap forth to meet the world.

Let it be a breathing world;

Let come a colored river ‘neath my feet to carry me, 

A battlesong in the air to coax me onward;

And up across the azure sky, 

A thousand shooting stars like friends to guide me.

And when Adventure parts her lips to whisper, “Now, now;” 

And Mystery taps shyly on my shoulder with her jeweled and slender hand--

O let my feet not turn numb; 

Let them not march me off to some proud and twisted exile.

And let no sterile law rule these ancient palace halls;

Let no hoarse voice hush the revelry between their walls.

O Wind Of Winds,

Let me not hide my soul from thee

As if it were made of dust;

Flame Of Flames,

Let me not guard my heart from thee,

As if it were made of ice.

O Lord Of Foolery And Laughter, 

Be my instructor;

Let not my wounds make me wise--

For theirs is the wisdom of planning 

And death.