What are the limitations hard,
Importunate, of time and space,
But fences of the prison-yard
Of earth, to keep us in our place?

Like snares they catch us at the gate.
I beat my eager wings in vain.
Like some caged bird I learn to wait
Till death shall set me free again;

Content to live awhile with these,
The wards that keep me from the air,
So at the end I reach the trees
Of God, and find my freedom there.