We live but a fraction of our life
We do not fill all our pores with our blood;
We do not inspire and expire fully and entirely enough
So that the wave of each inspiration
Shall break on our farthest shores
Rolling ’til it meets the sand which bounds us
And the sound of the surf comes back [to us]
Why do we not let on the flood
Raise the gates
And set all our wheels in motion?

There is the calmness of the lake
When there is not a breath of wind;
So it is with us
Sometimes we are clarified and calmed
As we never were before
We become like a still lake of purest crystal
And without an effort
Our depths are revealed to ourselves
All the world goes by us
And is reflected in our deeps
Such clarity!
Obtained by such pure means!
By simple living
By honesty of purpose
To be calm, to be serene!