Unhappiness on Earth

Even now I may not be

Speaking from myself but from some character in whose soul
I now live.

I am certain. I have not one idea of the truth
of any of my speculations. Heaven is like unhappiness

on earth only inverted into a finer tone.
I am certain of nothing.

Call the world, if you please, the vale of soul making
Then you will find out the use of the world.

I am certain of nothing but holiness.
Do you see how necessary a world of pain is?

I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the heart’s affections and
the truth of imagination.

I was led into these thoughts by the beauty
of the morning operating on a sense of idleness.

I am certain of nothing but and.

I have not understood any books.
The morning said I was right.

From MORNING PRAYER (Sheep Meadow Press, 2005)