Having come to this place I set out once again On the dark and marvelous way From where I began: Belief in the love of the world, Woman, spirit, and man.

Having failed in all things I enter a new age Seeing the old ways as toys, The houses of a stage Painted and long forgot; And I find love and rage.

Rage for the world as it is But for what it may be More love now than last year. And always less self-pity Since I know in a clearer light The strength of mystery.

And at this place in the ways I wait for song, My poem-hand still, on the paper, All night long. Poems in the throat and hand, asleep, And my storm beating strong!