Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE GATE OF PRAYER, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE GATE OF PRAYER, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In a dream I seemed to stand
Last Line: "I bear, come thou to me."
Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs.
Subject(s): God; Jesus Christ; Prayer; Religion; Theology


IN a dream I seemed to stand
By the golden Gate of Prayer,
And to and fro from the shining land,
Went angels strong and fair.
I heard their beautiful feet,
I saw their wings sweep by,
And the silver sound of their voices sweet,
Came thrilling from the sky.

And some as they went were glad,
A jubilant victor train;
And some had faces stern and sad,—
The angels, these, of pain;
And some came wearily back,
As if earthly sorrow's pall
Could almost shadow the sunlit track,
Where the angel footsteps fall.

And I saw that all the host
Paused just inside the door,
Where the glory of the Holy Ghost
Lies soft for evermore.
And there was a Face I knew,
A Face so sad, so sweet;
And ever the prayers came floating through
The gate, its look to meet.

Sad was the Face of Christ
By the golden Gate of Prayer,
Sad for the souls whose weary tryst
Made mournful murmur there.
Yet its light was clear and still,
And its smile to my heart was balm,
As over the world, with its seething ill,
He looked in heavenly calm.

And low to the angel throng:
"To the happy ones," He said,
"Go forth with ease and strength and song;"
(Gayly their errands sped;)
"But these who seek my face
With feet that have missed the way,
Myself will bring to a quiet place,
In the dark and cloudy day.

"Oh, not in a dream I kneel
To-day, by the Gate of Prayer,
Since over my yearning spirit falls
The quiet that broodeth there;
And not in a dream I ask:
"Dear Lord, whatever it be
Of sorrow or pain or daily task
I bear, come Thou to me."





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