A dream once gave me to a forest tree. I felt my leafy arms reach wide and free. My roots clasped close the prisoned prayers of earth And to the waiting Heaven my branches gave them birth, And knew creation's devastating thrill Till all my coursing life grew still. Once a song so filled my breast It overflowed, and sought a feathered nest As one seeks home. And then a guest —In flight toward unknown quest— To Heaven's farthest span, It soared aloft and showered its happiness on man. Once a mountain claimed my soul, And from its lofty crest as from a goal My chain of years was linked to reach, I learned what Life would teach; —In mountain, bird and tree, in you, in me, God is.—My vision found Infinity. |