TO THE BIRDS you gave songs, the birds gave you songs in return. You gave me only voice, yet asked for more, and I sing. You made your winds light and they are fleet in their service. You burdened my hands that I myself may lighten them, and at last, gain unburdened freedom for your service. You created your Earth filling its shadows with fragments of light. There you paused; you left me empty-handed in the dust to create your heaven. To all things else you give; from me you ask. The harvest of my life ripens in the sun and the shower till I reap more than you sowed, gladdening your heart, 0 Master of the golden granary.
TO MOVE IS TO meet you every moment. Fellow-traveller! It is to sing to the falling of your feet. He whom your breath touches does not glide by the shelter of the bank. He spreads a reckless sail to the wind and rides the turbulent water. He who throws his doors open and steps onward receives your greeting. He does not stay to count his gain or to mourn his loss; his heart beats the drum for his march, for that is to march with you every step, Fellow-traveller!