Half Fledged

I feel the stirrings in me of great things.     New half-fledged thoughts rise up and beat their wings,     And tremble on the margin of their nest,     Then flutter back, and hide within my breast.     Beholding space, they doubt their untried strength.     Beholding men, they fear them.    But at length,     Grown all too great and active for the heart     That broods them with such tender mother art,     Forgetting fear, and men, and all, that hour,     Save the impelling consciousness of power     That stirs within them - they shall soar away     Up to the very portals of the Day.     Oh, what exultant rapture thrills me through     When I contemplate all those thoughts may do;     Like snow-white eagles penetrating space,     They may explore full many an unknown place,     And build their nests on mountain heights unseen,     Whereon doth lie that dreamed-of rest serene.     Stay thou a little longer in my breast,     Till my fond heart shall push thee from the nest     Anxious to see thee soar to heights divine -     Oh, beautiful but half-fledged thoughts of mine.