brahma (rw emerson)

if the red slayer think he slays,
or if the slain think he is slain,
they know not well the subtle ways
i keep, and pass, and turn again.

far or forgot to me is near;
shadow and sunlight are the same;
the vanished gods to me appear;
and one to me are shame and fame.

they reckon ill who leave me out;
when me they fly, i am the wings;
i am the doubter and the doubt,
and i the hymn the brahmin sings.

the strong gods pine for my abode,
and pine in vain the sacred seven;
but thou, meek lover of the good!
find me, and turn thy back on heaven.