Poems (Hoffman)/Patience
For works with similar titles, see Patience.
PATIENCE
Angel with the noiseless wingsMeek and gentle presence, thou,Waiting life's uncertain things,How I need thy guidance now; Thou, from Heaven's own pearly gate, Teach my restless heart to wait.
Oh, to wait when ships that sailedCheer our anxious sight, no more;Oh, to wait when all unveiled,Lie the mountain steeps before! Patience, thine own peace create, Teach me patiently to wait.
Let no murmur of complaintBreathe its thankless breath to heaven,Let my spirit scorn to faintThough its fondest hope be riven. Heeding not the myth of fate, Oh, to truly work and wait!
Every blossom waits for rain,Every bird for Spring's return;Waiting now, I would againStrive their precious trust to learn; Trusting, though the dawn be late, Trusting patiently, I wait.
Waiting while the days glide byFor life's blessing or its bane,Though the seasons bloom and diePatience never waits in vain; Father, just outside the gate Trusting Thee, I calmly wait.