Lyrics

THE STRUGGLE
Poem, Danske Dandridge – Music, Terry Tucker

Body, I pray you, let me go! (It is a Soul that struggles so.)
Body, I see on yonder height, dim reflex of a solemn light,
A flame that shineth from the place
Where Beauty walks with naked face,
It is a flame you cannot see; — Lie down, you clod, and set me free!

Body, I pray you, let me go! (It is a Soul that striveth so.)
Body, I hear dim sounds afar, dripping from some diviner star,
Dim sounds of holy revelry,
It is my mates that sing, and I
Must drink that song or break my heart;— Body, I pray you, let us part.

Comrade, your frame is worn and frail; your vital force begins to fail,
I long for life, but you for rest; then Body, let us both be blest.
When you are lying 'neath the dew,
I'll come, sometimes, and sing to you,
But you will feel nor pain nor woe— Body, I pray you, let me go!”

Thus strove a Being: beauty-fain, he broke his bonds and fled amain,
He fled: the Body lay bereft, but on its lips a smile was left,
As if that Spirit, looking back,
Shouted upon his upward track,
With joyous tone and hurried breath, some message that could comfort Death.