Poems (Hoffman)/Longing
For works with similar titles, see Longing.
LONGING
Beat, beat, oh Soul, thy panting wing Against these earthly bars,Thou, destined yet to soar and sing, Beyond the stars!
Though this strange rapture be the pain Of prisoned wings,Yet shalt thou break thy bondage chain Ye fettered things.
Free, free, oh Soul, not all for naught Thy fruitless strife,If one sweet note thine ear hath caught From higher life!
Fold patient pinions, longing Soul, and wait Thy destiny,When wide shall swing the iron gate And thou art free.