Poetry Archives

It is you, it is you, poor better thoughts!
The needful hope, shame for the ancient blots,
Heart’s gentleness with mind’s severity,
And vigilance, and calm, and constancy,
And all!—But slow as yet, though well awake;
Though sturdy, shy; scarce able yet to break
The spell of stifling night and heavy dreams.
One comes after the other, and each seems
Uncouther, and all fear the moonlight cold.
“Thus, sheep when first they issue from the fold,
Come,—one, then two, then three. The rest delay,
With lowered heads, in stupid, wondering way,
Waiting to do as does the one that leads.
He stops, they stop in turn, and lay their heads
Across his back, simply, not knowing why.”*
Your shepherd, O my fair flock, is not I,—
It is a better, better far, who knows
The reasons, He that so long kept you close,
But timely with His own hand set you free.
Him follow,—light His staff. And I shall be,
Beneath his voice still raised to comfort you,
I shall be, I, His faithful dog, and true.

           * Dante, Purgatorio.