December 1 to 14

To a Contemporary

By my fast horse that knows no rest

And, like its rider, never tires;

By my strong concentration, which

Shall take me where my heart desires;

By my great power to stand transfixed

At beauty, when my mind commands it;

By my strong faith that I’ll not fail

At morning, noon or night to find it;

By my desire for longer life,

My ecstasy in mortal breath;

By all my healthy hate and fear

In thinking of the hour of death;

By all this joy, by this content,

By all my faith in what I plan;

By all these all-sufficing friends-

How can I envy any man!

True to a heart that joy makes kind,

And praising things of little worth;

Still giving praise where none is due-

No greater liar walks the earth.