Classic Poem

I

While yet I trod this earthly sod,
And the great Soul awaked in me,
I was not wont to pray to God
In others words with bended knee
In formal phrase I could not see
Myself reflected; for I felt
The everlasting Deity
Within His human temple dwelt.

II

I turned towards the open space
At night and morn, or starred or clouded;
I knew it was His dwelling-place,
In light enthroned, or darkness shrouded.
And then I looked this shrine within,
This bodily mansion, and I found
His Spirits there had ever been;
That each, apart, with rays were crowned;

III

And worshipped Him in lowliness,
Hope, Faith, and Love, their lyres unstrung;
I raised the harp and strove to express
The hymn that they had left unsung
Alas! my efforts I repressed;
I felt my words were lost in air;
I clasped my hands across my breast,
And knew that thankfulness was prayer.