I felt my life with both my hands

I felt my life with both my hands
To see if it was there --
I held my spirit to the Glass,
To prove it possibler --

I turned my Being round and round
And paused at every pound
To ask the Owner's name --
For doubt, that I should know the Sound --

I judged my features -- jarred my hair --
I pushed my dimples by, and waited --
If they -- twinkled back --
Conviction might, of me --

I told myself, "Take Courage, Friend --
That -- was a former time --
But we might learn to like the Heaven,
As well as our Old Home!"