I am like a flag in the center of open space.

I sense ahead the wind which is coming, and must live it through.

while the things of the world still do not move:

the doors still close softly, and the chimneys are fullof silence,

the windows do not rattle yet, and the dust still lies down.

I already know the storm, and I am troubled as the sea.

I leap out, and fall back,

and throw myself out, and am absolutely alone

in the great storm.