English poem
The Awakening
by Theodosia Pickering Garrison (1874–1944)
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.