i know naught of life,
only the color, the shine
of unmingled blood
flowing forth:
a symbol and life sign.

oh fortune! her beloved wheel
has sunk me to the pit,
i must rise, i must rise,
oh that you would spin again!

she throws her head
and holds her breasts -
teaching me in this queer dance of fate,
stepping and twisting slow till we reach
this unmoving broken gate --

over the heavy golden timber,
i do seek the holy road,
the everlasting sun, the diamond mansions,
and the streets paved with gold.

though i do knock, the
doors open not yet,
inside they beg wait
when i cannot spare a minute.

they sing patience
with angels' voice,
while tears scorch
my parched lips,
and fall victim
to miscreants.

the iron of my skin,
fingers hard like nails,
crucify me each night
till blood and tears prevail.

eyes, open! to morning sun
awake!
for in this darkness,
you musn't and cannot stay.
even in this dull sun
you must find a way!

toil with the hands,
God has much given you,
the heart and head,
and this thing, Life,
shines red hue.

the broken gate
with sunlight beyond
shall one day open,
with shouts and praises and glory of hosts,
Fortune with her song.