Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE COL DE BALM by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL

First Line: SUNSHINE AND SILENCE ON THE COL DE BALM
Last Line: IN THE DEEP CALM OF LOVE AND EVERLASTING LIGHT?
Subject(s): ALPS; MOUNTAINS; HILLS; DOWNS (GREAT BRITAIN);
SUNSHINE and silence on the Col de Balm!
I stood above the mists, above the rush
Of all the torrents, when one marvellous hush
Filled God's great mountain temple, vast and calm,
With hallelujah light, as seen through silent psalm: --

Crossed with one discord, only one. For Love
Cried out, and would be heard. "DdIf ye were here,
O friends, so far away and yet so near,
Then were the anthem perfect!" And the cry
Threaded the concords of that Alpine harmony.

Not vain the same fond cry if first I stand
Upon the mountain of our God, and long,
Even in the glory, and with His new song
Upon my lips, that you should come and share
The bliss of heaven, imperfect still till all are there.

Dear ones! shall it be mine to watch you come
Up from the shadows and the valley mist,
To tread the jacinth and the amethyst,
To rest and sing upon the stormless height,
In the deep calm of love and everlasting light?



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