Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’mve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds…and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of…wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’mve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’mve topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’mve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.