Ode To Joy - Friedrich Schiller

[Larry Robinson]

Ode To Joy

Joy! A spark of fire from heaven, 
Daughter from Elysium,
Drunk with fire we dare to enter, 
Holy One, inside your shrine. 
Your magic power binds together, 
What we by custom wrench apart, 
All men will emerge as brothers, 
Where you rest your gentle wings.

If you’ve mastered that great challenge: 
Giving friendship to a friend,
If you’ve earned as steadfast woman, 
Celebrate your joy with us!
Join if in the whole wide world there’s 
Just one soul to call your own!
He who’s failed must steal away, 
Shedding tears as he departs.

All creation drinks with pleasure, 
Drinks at Mother Nature’s breast;
All the just, and all the evil,
Follow down her rosy path.
Kisses she bestowed, and grape wine, 
Friendship true, proved e’en in death; 
Every worm knows nature’s pleasure, 
Every cherub meets his God.
Gladly, like the planets flying 
True to heaven’s mighty plan, 
Brothers, run your course now, 
Happy as a knight in victory.

Be embracéd, all you millions,
Share this kiss with all the world!
Way above the stars, brothers,
There must live a loving father.
Do you kneel down low, you millions? 
Do you see your maker, world? 
Search for Him above the stars,
Above the stars He must be living. 

	- Friedrich Schiller




"Be joyful though you have considered all the facts."
    - Wendell Berry
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