I feel myself in need <br />Of the inspiring strains of ancient lore, <br />My heart to lift, my empty mind to feed, <br />And all the world explore. <br /> <br />I know that I am old <br />And never can recover what is past, <br />But for the future may some light unfold <br />And soar from ages blast. <br /> <br />I feel resolved to try, <br />My wish to prove, my calling to pursue, <br />Or mount up from the earth into the sky, <br />To show what Heaven can do. <br /> <br />My genius from a boy, <br />Has fluttered like a bird within my heart; <br />But could not thus confined her powers employ, <br />Impatient to depart. <br /> <br />She like a restless bird, <br />Would spread her wings, her power to be unfurl’d <br />And let her songs be loudly heard, <br />And dart from world to world.<br /><br />George Moses Horton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/george-moses-horton-myself/
