O Muse, now is my time to sing,
To sing and to be heard!
Aye, to be felt, the blow, the sting
Of passions boldly stirred.
Song of the seraphim, array
Each word in celestial attire.
Wrath of Hades, now convey
My speech in founts of fire!
Now let the throng partake my draft,
Now set their hearts to beat,
To shout, to shake, to weep or laugh
Or fall before my feet!
Possess me, Heaven and Hell! Now speak!
Through me, your sounding horn.
Transform the haughty and the meek
Let all hear, be reborn!
George Chadderdon © 1995