If I Never

If I never lift up my voice, How will I know How sweetly I can sing, Or its tenor, Or how well I harmonize With the music of the universe? If I never open up my heart, How will I hear The echo of its beating in time With another, Or feel the exquisite pain of love, Or the infinite joy of forgiveness? If I never open up my eyes, How will I see The beauty in a falling drop of rain, Or the wonder in the vastness of the skies, Or what the mirror tells me In its stark honest reality? If I never spread my wings, How will I know How high I can soar, Or how far I can fly, Or what it's like to race the moon, Or dip my fingers in a cloud, or touch a star? I do not want bitter tears Shed o'er my grave For songs unsung, or deeds undone, Or fruit untasted, or love untested. But if I never learn to live before I die, What will I do to make it through eternity?