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.