Page:Poems Hoffman.djvu/46

ANGELUS

Angels are singing, angels of light!
Angels are winging their homeward flight,
Lo, while we grope in the darkness to-day
Guardian angels are leading the way!

Had we but visions like Jacob of old
In dreams Elysian their forms to behold,
Would we not see them seraphic and fair
Treading the steeps of the sun-gilded air?

Lightly descending, or rising above,
Each one attending an errand of love;
Each on a mission of mercy intent;
Each on a wonderful pilgrimage sent.

What are they noting, of hearts and of homes?
What message floating to yonder bright domes?
What through those gates will their entering bring?
What are they bearing aloft to their King?

Some may be telling of souls clad in white
Patiently dwelling in sorrow and night,
Some may be telling of evil and wrong
Saddening the strains of their beautiful song.

(Long years ago with his wonderful skill
Michael Angelo sought to fulfill
 All his high thoughts of the angels of light
 Thronging our pathway in daytime and night.

In the cathedral where grandly he wrought,
Toiling on, faithful and true to his thought,
 Angels look down from their stations to-day
 Though the great artist has long passed away.

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