Classic and Contemporary Poetry
PEACE (1), by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL Poet's Biography First Line: Is this the peace of god, this strange sweet calm Last Line: And feel that thou art near, and know that I am blest. Subject(s): Faith; Peace; Worship; Belief; Creed | ||||||||
Is this the peace of God, this strange sweet calm? The weary day is at its zenith still, Yet 't is as if beside some cool, clear rill, Through shadowy stillness rose an evening psalm, And all the noise of life were hushed away. And tranquil gladness reigned with gently soothing sway. It was not so just now. I turned aside With aching head, and heart most solely bowed; Around me cares and griefs in crushing crowd, While inly rose the sense, in swelling tide, Of weakness, insufficiency, and sin, And fear, and gloom, and doubt in mighty flood rolled in. That rushing flood I had no power to meet, Nor power to flee: my present, future, past, Myself, my sorrow, and my sin I cast In utter helplessness at Jesu's feet: Then bent me to the storm, if such his will. He saw the winds and waves, and whispered, "Peace, be still!" And there was calm! O Saviour, I have proved That thou to help and save art really near. How else this quiet rest from grief and fear And all distress? The cross is not removed, I must go forth to bear it as before, But, leaning on thine arm, I dread its weight no more. Is it indeed thy peace? I have not tried To analyze my faith, dissect my trust, Or measure if belief be full and just, And therefore claim thy peace. But thou hast died, I know that this is true for me, And, knowing it, I come, and cast my all on thee. It is not that I feel less weak, but thou Wilt be my strength; it is not that I see Less sin, but more of pardoning love with thee And all-sufficient grace. Enough! and now All fluttering thought is stilled, I only rest, And feel that thou art near, and know that I am blest. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...UNHOLY SONNET 4 by MARK JARMAN QUIA ABSURDUM by ROBINSON JEFFERS GOING TO THE HORSE FLATS by ROBINSON JEFFERS SONNET TO FORTUNE by LUCY AIKEN JONATHAN EDWARDS IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS by ROBERT LOWELL RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION by MINA LOY CONSECRATION HYMN by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL I DID THIS FOR THEE! WHAT HAST THOU DONE FOR ME? by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL A BIRTHDAY GREETING TO MY FATHER, 1860 by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL |
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