Perfect Tense
I. A. Richards
In the deep woods I have been so sure,
In their thick snows I have slept secure,
Travelling light. Night after night
In the deep woods I have been so sure.

On the high cliffs I have moved so sure,
On their smooth slabs I have stepped secure,
Belay to belay. Day after day
On the high cliffs I have moved so sure.

Through the steep seas I have sailed so sure,
By their white teeth I have swept secure,
Near but clear. Year after year
Through the steep seas I have sailed so sure.

Over the abyss I have hung so sure,
On a thread of time I have swung secure,
Jocund, sublime. On my thread of time
Over the abyss I have hung so sure.