Leap of Faith

There is nothing for it now
But to try my wings -- to fly --
To brave the test of fire --
To find freedom -- or to die
All the little deaths of fear
Insidious and cold --
Or the flaming death of martyrdom --
Either life or morals sold.
No knowledge of my future
Save futility of prayer
No prayer can save my hopes and dreams
From lying deadened there.
So all that lies before me
Is the sum of all my fears --
Though I would die a thousand deaths
Before I shed for this a tear.