In My Dreams I See My Fathers

I wrote this on August 31, 1966, as a hymn. If I were starting afresh, I would strive to use gender-nonspecific language (starting with the title): but this is now and that was then.

The tune is that of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," with the refrain omitted.

In my dreams I see my fathers that were born before my race:
They are huddled in a cave, with brows devoid of pride or grace;
But the ape that turns towards the light has gained a human face,
And he still is gazing on.

I have seen him cross his threshold then, though fear dwelt in his eye;
I have seen him climb a mountain -- I have watched him fall and die;
I have seen him leap beyond his world on flames that split the sky --
And his quest leads ever on.

I have watched him fashion levers that could move the heavy stone;
I have smelled the sweat of slaves he's used to make his cities run;
I have read the chalked equations that will harness him a sun --
And his arm is waxing long.

I have touched the blood he spilled to hold his hearth beneath his hand;
I have watched him lost in companies to steal a barren strand:
I have flown the blue-white flag that claims his planet as his land --
And his peace shall yet be strong.

I have seen him search the stars for gods, and give the wind a name;
I have heard him preaching love, and I have watched him die in shame;
I have seen him find that God is love emerging with a name,
And that love shall still grow on.

I shall go to join my fathers in the cave that dreamers search;
And the farthest light I see shall be the first whose name they teach
When my children write their name across the Universe's reach,
And the stars ring with their song!

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