Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE TEMPLE by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: MY BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF MY GOD
Last Line: A JANITOR WITHIN THE HOUSE OF GOD!
Subject(s): WORSHIP;

My body is the temple of my God,
For He has said it! Well or poorly kept,
My glory or disgrace, a fair abode
Or dismal foulness, still my God is there.
And every deed I do or thought I think
Makes record on the temple instantly:
No temperance but clears a window-pane,
No self-denial but wipes up the dust,
No burst of laughter but admits fresh air,
No generous deed but sweeps a cobweb down,
No loving word but fills a vase with flowers!
Better than sceptre and a royal robe
To bear the broom and use the cleaning-cloth,
A janitor within the house of God!



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