Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, I SAW THEE, by RAY PALMER


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

I SAW THEE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I saw thee when, as twilight fell
Last Line: And read the secrets of thy heart!
Subject(s): Jesus Christ; Religion; Theology


I saw thee when, as twilight fell,
And evening lit her fairest star,
Thy footsteps sought yon quiet dell,
The world's confusion left afar.

I saw thee when thou stood'st alone,
Where drooping branches thick o'erhung,
Thy still retreat to all unknown,
Hid in deep shadows darkly flung.

I saw thee when, as died each sound
Of bleating flock or woodland bird,
Kneeling, as if on holy ground,
Thy voice the listening silence heard.

I saw thy calm, uplifted eyes,
And marked the heaving of thy breast,
When rose to heaven thy heartfelt sighs
For purer life, for perfect rest.

I saw the light that o'er thy face
Stole with a soft, suffusing glow,
As if, within, celestial grace
Breathed the same bliss that angels know.

I saw -- what thou didst not -- above
Thy lowly head an open heaven;
And tokens of thy father's love
With smiles to thy rapt spirit given.

I saw thee from that sacred spot
With firm and peaceful soul depart;
I, Jesus, saw thee, -- doubt it not, --
And read the secrets of thy heart!




Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net