I would sweep clean this house I call "myself," Lay bare each cluttered closet, empty every shelf, Strip clear my body of the garments from the past -- Would purge and clarify, abstain from feast and fast; Would roll afar the stone that rests against my heart, Brush down the cobwebs from my mind, and I would start Anew, I would arise from out the sepulchre of woe, Take wing and to the utmost hilltop go To sing an Alleluia and to pray That I might keep this house I call "myself" Always that way. |