I. Morning.

By Louisa S. Guggenberger (1845–1895)

WHAT’S the text to-day for reading   Nature and its being by? There is effort all the morning   Thro’ the windy sea and sky.   All, intent in earnest grapple         5   That the All may let it be: Force, in unity, at variance   With its own diversity.   Force, prevailing into action,   Force, persistent to restrain,         10 In a twofold, one-souled wrestle   Forging Being’s freedom-chain.   Frolic! say you—when the billow   Tosses back a mane of spray? No; but haste of earnest effort;         15   Nature works in guise of play.   Till the balance shall be even   Swings the to and fro of strife; Till an awful equilibrium   Stills it, beats the Heart of Life.         20   What’s the text to-day for reading   Nature and its being by? Effort, effort all the morning,   Thro’ the sea and windy sky.