LOUD roars the hoarse storm from the angry north, As if the wintry spirit, loth to leave His wonted haunts, came rudely rushing back, Fast by the steps of the defenceless Spring, To hurl his frost-spear at her shrinking flowers. Yet while the tempest o'er the charms of May Sweeps dominant, and with discordant tone The wild blast rules without, peace smiles within; The fire burns cheerful, and the taper clear Alternate aids the needle, or illumes The page sublime, inciting the rapt soul To soar above the warring elements. My gentle kitten at my footstool sings Her song monotonous, and, full of joy, Close by my side my tender mother sits, Industriously bent -- her brow still bright With beams of lingering youth, while he, the sire, The faithful guide, indulgently doth smile At our discourse, or wake the tuneful hymn Which best he loves. Fountain of life and light! -- Father Supreme! from whom our joys descend, As streams flow from their source, and unto whom All good on earth shall finally return As to a natural centre, praise is due To Thee from all thy works; nor least from me, Though, in thy scale of being, light and low. From thee is shed whate'er of joy or peace Doth sparkle in my cup -- health, hope and bliss, And pure parental love, beneath whose smile My grateful heart forgets the lonely void Of brother, and of sister, oft bewail'd. Therefore, to Thee be all the honor given, Whether young morning, with her vestal lamp, Warn from my couch; or sober twilight gray Lead on the willing night; or summer sky Spread its smooth azure; or contending storms Muster their wrath; or whether in the shade Of much loved solitude, deep wove and close, I rest; or gaily share the social scene; Or wander wide to twine with stranger-hearts New sympathies; or wheresoever else Thy hand may place me, let my steadfast eye Behold Thee, and my soul attune thy praise. To Thee alone, in humble trust I come For strength and wisdom. Leaning on thine arm Fain would I pass this intermediate state, This vale of discipline; and when its mists Shall fleet away, I trust thou wilt not leave My soul in darkness, for thy word is truth; Nor are thy thoughts like the vain thoughts of man, Nor thy ways like his ways. Therefore I rest In hope, and sing thy praise, Father Supreme! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PLAINT OF THE DISGUSTED BRITON IN THE STATES by GEORGE SANTAYANA BRIDAL SONG by GEORGE CHAPMAN (1559-1634) EARLY MORN by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES GARDEN DAYS: 6. AUTUMN FIRES by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON RAINY SEASON by HARRIET GRAY BLACKWELL GOLDFISH ON THE WRITING DESK by MAX BROD |