Poems (Greenwell)/Pencil-marks in a Book of Devotion
PENCIL-MARKS IN A BOOK OF DEVOTION.
"It happened one day, about noon, I was exceedingly surprised with the print of a man's naked foot on the shore, which was very plain to be seen in the sand."
Strong words are these, "O Lord! I seek but Thee Not Thine! I ask not comfort, ask not rest; Give what, and how, and when thou wilt to me, I bless Thee—take all back—and be Thou blest."
Sweet words are these," Lord! it is Thy love And not thy gifts I seek; yet am as one That loveth so I prize the least above All other worth or sweetness under sun."
And all these lines are underscored, and here And there a tear hath been and left its stain,The only record, haply, of a tear Long wiped from eyes no more to weep again;
And as I gaze, a solemn joy comes o'er me— By these deep footprints I can surely guess Some pilgrim by the road that lies before me Hath crossed, long time ago, the wilderness.
With feet oft bruised among its sharp flints, duly He turned aside to gather simples here, And lay up cordials for his faintness—truly Now will I track his steps and be of cheer.
And wearied, by this wayside fountain's brink He sat to rest, and as it then befell,The stone was rolled away, he stooped to drink The waters springing up from life's clear well.
And oft upon his journey faring sadly He communed with this Teacher from on high,And meeting words of promise, meekly, gladly, Went on his way rejoicing—so will I!