The Unknown

To brave and to know the unknown
Is the high world's motive and mark,
Though the way with snares be strewn.

The Earth itself alone
Wheels through the light and the dark
Onward to meet the unknown.

Each soul, upright or prone,
While the owl sings or the lark,
Must pass where the bones are strewn.

Power on the loftiest throne
Can fashion no certain ark
That shall stem and outride the unknown.

Beauty must doff her zone,
Strength trudge unarmed and stark,
Though the way with eyes be strewn.

This only can atone,
The high world's motive and mark,
To brave and to know the unknown
Though the way with fire be strewn.