LIKE one who leaves the trampled street For some cathedral, cool and dim, Where he can hear in music beat The heart of prayer, that beats for him; And sees the common light of day, Through painted panes, transfigured, shine, And casts his human woes away, In presence of the Woe Divine: So I, from life's tormenting themes Turn where the silent chapel lies, Whose windows burn with vanished dreams, Whose altar-lights are memories. There, watched by pitying cherubim, In sacred hush, I rest awhile, Till solemn sounds of harp and hymn Begin to sweep the haunted aisle: A hymn that once but breathed complaint, And breathes but resignation now, Since God has heard the pleading saint, And laid His hand upon my brow. Restored and comforted, I go To grapple with my tasks again; Through silent worship taught to know The blessed peace that follows pain. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ELEGY ON THYRZA by GEORGE GORDON BYRON THE WOOING by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR ECHOES: 35. MARGARITAE SORORI by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY RHOECUS by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL SINCE THOU ART GONE by HENRY VAUGHAN |