Although This Life Is But a Wraith

1 Although this life is but a wraith,
although we know not what we use,
although we grope with little faith,
give me the heart to fight and lose.

2 Open my ears to music, let
me thrill with spring’s first flutes and drums —
but never let me dare forget
the bitter ballads of the slums.

3 Ever insurgent let me be,
make me more daring than devout;
from sleek contentment keep me free,
and fill me with a buoyant doubt.

4 From compromise and things half-done,
keep me, with stern and stubborn pride;
and when, at last, the fight is won,
O, keep me still unsatisfied.

Source: Singing the Living Tradition #85