Poems (Coolidge)/I

by Helen Elizabeth Coolidge

"I"

A veil of mist by which the sight
 Doth lose its clearer rays;
A restless thought that mars content,
 And dims the brightest days;
What is the cloud in azure sky?
It is that little vexing "I."

So dearly loved, so petted, spoiled,
 Through many a listless day,
When, but for it, a busy life
 Could shadows chase away,
The tangled thread that goes awry
Is but that little selfish "I."

Ah! more than that! thine image, Lord,
 Is "darkly" seen by me,
Until thy love my heart shall fill,
 And self be lost in thee;
By strength divine, when thou art nigh,
Toward heavenly things my thoughts shall fly.