Where waits it all, -- the truth and purity, The great-winged peace, the crowding happiness, The love unmarred by thought of more and less; Past what far reaches of the starry sea Lies Thy sweet kingdom, Lord? And when shall we, Tired eyes strained upward from our mean distress, Behold the sudden burst of blessedness, Thy kingdom come upon humanity? Ah, sure, my child, as in thy lips' full curve The smile is hidden, sure as waits the seed The beck of sunshine, and earth's forces swerve With proper talisman, so sure my creed: Christ's kingdom comes -- though not as men observe -- At call of every loving thought and deed. |