Build of my life a structure fair, Make large the rooms and pure the air, Sink the foundations deep and wide, God the Architect -- Christ, the Guide! Make strong its walls, and anchor fast To withstand storm and tempest's blast; Raise up its columns with Thy Love Until they reach to Thee above! Give to me a far-flung view To sift the false out from the true! To help me see in toil and care The beauty that lies hidden there. One room for Trust and Charity, Faith and Wisdom's clarity; One for Forbearance, one for Mirth; In one to Joy and Peace give birth. Put Sympathy, e'en Sorrow there, For Life metes out to each his share. And mingling all with Love, Approve my mansion from above. And when I leave my mansion door, As my short day of life is o'er, May the golden rays of the setting sun Shine on a beauty just begun! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SOPHISTICATION by CONRAD AIKEN A SUMMER'S GARDEN by ROBERT FROST SPECIAL EFFECTS by JAMES GALVIN ESTRANGEMENT by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE REWARD by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON THE GULF by KATHERINE MANSFIELD BRUTUS AND ANTONY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |