Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CHILD IN THE GARDEN, by HENRY VAN DYKE



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CHILD IN THE GARDEN, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When to the garden of untroubled thought
Last Line: "I am the little child you used to be."
Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus
Subject(s): Children; Gardens & Gardening; Religion; Childhood; Theology


WHEN to the garden of untroubled thought
I came of late, and saw the open door,
And wished again to enter, and explore
The sweet, wild ways with stainless bloom in-
wrought,
And bowers of innocence with beauty fraught.
It seemed some purer voice must speak before
I dared to tread that garden loved of yore,
That Eden lost unknown and found unsought.
Then just within the gate I saw a child, --
A stranger-child, yet to my heart most dear, --
Who held his hands to me, and softly smiled
With eyes that knew no shade of sin or fear:
"Come in," he said, and play awhile with me;
I am the little child you used to be."




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