Beside the dusty road it towers high, A monument that lifts us up to God; The paint long since has vanished from the wall And steps are worn where myriad feet have trod. But oh the lovely memories it holds! The happiness of life has centered there; The sweet surrender of a soul to God; The moments spent in agonizing prayer; The joy of leading others to His grace; The happy peace that comes from sharing all; The trust in childish faces lifted high As the gentle shepherd gives the loving call; The mental anguish when someone you love Is left unstirred by the dear Spirit's pleas; The flood of peace that funeral service gives When death has left your heart devoid of ease; The courtships that have centered beneath the roof, The marriage vows so sweetly given there, The baby's christening -- how he did coo -- The aged saint who loves to lead in prayer. And still they throng, those happy memories -- And you'll never find, no matter how you search, A spot that means as much to any soul As does the humble little country church. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SANDHILL PEOPLE by CARL SANDBURG LA CONDUCTORA DEL DESEO/CONDUIT by VIRGIL SUAREZ GROWING GRAY by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON THE WATCH OF A SWAN by SARAH MORGAN BRYAN PIATT THE GOAT PATHS by JAMES STEPHENS A CAUTION TO POETS by MATTHEW ARNOLD |