UNPREMEDITATED WANT

When some unpremeditated want,

Superior to all needs and circumstance,

Confronts me shinning, then to it I grant

Unhindered passage. Let it then advance.

Like panthers are when wounded, though adroit,

So forgetful of skills and mindless cause,

Such havoc that they let the foe exploit

They spring upon their foe without a pause.

And all substantial things I ever did,

And every lilting song I did create,

Were all achieved when I was by it bid,

To follow it O God! and I reiterate.

That in its rare appearance I exult,

And love its buoyant movement and tumult.