Poems (Jackson)/Renunciation

by Helen Hunt Jackson

RENUNCIATION.

WHEREFORE thus, apart with drooping wings
 Thou stillest, saddest angel,
With hidden face, as if but bitter things
 Thou hadst, and no evangel
Of good tidings?
Thou know'st that through our tears
 Of hasty, selfish weeping,
Comes surer sun; and for our petty fears
 Of loss, thou hast in keeping
A greater gain than all of which we dreamed.
 Thou knowest that in grasping
The bright possessions which so precious seemed,
 We lose them; but, if clasping
Thy faithful hand, we tread with steadfast feet
 The path of thy appointing,
There waits for us a treasury of sweet
 Delight; royal anointing
With oil of gladness and of strength!
With oil of gladness and of strength!O, things
 Of Heaven, Christ's evangel
Bearing, call us with shining face and poised wings,
 Thou sweetest, dearest angel!