Wrung by heart-hunger and pledges unkept,
Sleepless I walked while a silent world slept.
Weeping because I was left by my own,
Crushed by misfortune, to suffer alone!

Looked I then up to the river-blue sky,
“God of the lily stars, if Thou be nigh
Show me a sign.” Then my pleading eyes fell
On a petunia's tender white bell.

Looking straight up to the same God as I,
Trustingly; seeking no sign from the sky.
Wafting upon the oblivious air
Exquisite odour—the incense of prayer.

Only God pities whom only God sees,
Only God sends us such lessons as these.
Chastened, I bent o'er the beautiful flower,
Giving Him thanks for the grace of the hour.