Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE UNSEEN ALTAR, by HENRY VAN DYKE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE UNSEEN ALTAR, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Man the maker of cities is also a builder of altars
Last Line: And the priest who stands beside it is the christ, the son of god.
Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus
Subject(s): Religion; Theology


MAN the maker of cities is also a builder of altars,
He setteth tables for the gods among his habitations.

He bringeth the beauty of the rocks to enrich them:
Marble and alabaster, porphyry, jade and jasper.

He cometh with costly gifts to offer an oblation,
And with the fairest of his flock to purchase favour.

Around the many altars I hear strange music arising,
Loud lamentations and shouting and singing and wailing.

I perceive also the pain and terror of their sacrifices,
And the tears and the blood staining the white marble.

O my God, these are the altars of ignorance:
They are built by thy children who do not know thee.

Surely thou wilt have pity upon them and teach them:
Hast thou not prepared for them a table of peace?

Then the Lord mercifully sent his angel forth to lead me,
And I came through the courts of the temple to the holy of holies.

Here the multitudes are kneeling in the silence of the spirit,
They are kneeling at the unseen altar of the lowly heart.

Here is plentiful forgiveness for the souls that are forgiving,
And the benediction falleth upon all who pray in love.

Surely this is the altar where the penitent find pardon:
And the priest who stands beside it is the Christ, the Son of God.





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