THE winds are lashing on the sea; The roads are blind with storm. And it's far and far away with me; So bide you there, stay warm. It's forth I must, and forth to-day; And I have no path to choose. The highway hill, it is my way still. -- Give me my golden shoes. @3God gave them me on that first day I knew that I was young. And I looked far forth, from west to north; And I heard the Songs unsung.@1 This cloak is worn too threadbare thin, But ah, how weatherwise! This girdle serves to bind it in; What heed of wondering eyes? -- And yet beside, I wear one pride -- Too bright, think you, to use? -- That I must wear, and still keep fair. -- Give here my golden shoes. @3God gave them me, on that first day I heard the Stars all chime. And I looked forth far, from road to star; And I knew it was far to climb.@1 They would buy me house and hearth, no doubt, And the mirth to spend and share; Could I sell that gift, and go without, Or wear -- what neighbors wear. But take my staff, my purse, my scrip; For I have one thing to choose. For you, -- Godspeed! May you soothe your need. For me, my golden shoes! @3He gave them me, that far, first day When I heard all Songs unsung. And I looked far forth, from west to north. God saw that I was young!@1 | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DEVASTATION by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON HOOKS AND EYES by KAREN SWENSON THE NEW ARRIVAL by GEORGE WASHINGTON CABLE THE PESSIMIST by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING THE SPIRES OF OXFORD by WINIFRED MARY LETTS KNOWLEDGE by HENRY DAVID THOREAU DOST THOU ASK? by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS |