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Credone?
To My Friend F. A. C. S.
Published in the Agnostic Journal London, England 12 March 1904 (page 173)
When that I think what I, a man, have known,— How little is the space in life for trust,— Well do I know that I must fight alone, A worm within an acreage of dust. What if I sing the song that you would sing? I only sing, good friend, because I must!
Credit me not! What I have done I've done Because a voice in me its song did raise: Because I am a mote by the red sun That's swayed, I give an echo to my days. So closely am I compassed all about, I have no room for blame, no place for praise.
Only I live; why that I live, I know What you know—nothing! Shall I be afraid When the Night calls me forth? And when I go, I shall but pass into the red sun's shade. I need no God to call me to his arms; I am a Man, and ask no being's aid!
That which I've left undone, I could not do, Nor know I shame! No fear has made me bow! Only I love one here and there, and who Shall live but in the ever-living Now? A worm, and yet a god! In joy and pain I keep my feet, and bear an open brow!
And old Time calls! His mouthpiece is the earth; The earth upholds me with her echo-song: A chant of Death, a love-song then of Birth— The world is wide enough, and life is long! Be fearless, Brother! Fear nor Man nor God, But stand alone, and so you shall be strong!
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