Poems (Jackson)/Renunciation

by Helen Hunt Jackson

For works with similar titles, see Renunciation.

RENUNCIATION.

WHEREFORE thus, apart with drooping wings Thou stillest, saddest angel,With hidden face, as if but bitter things Thou hadst, and no evangelOf 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 keepingA greater gain than all of which we dreamed. Thou knowest that in graspingThe bright possessions which so precious seemed, We lose them; but, if claspingThy faithful hand, we tread with steadfast feet The path of thy appointing,There waits for us a treasury of sweet Delight; royal anointingWith oil of gladness and of strength!With oil of gladness and of strength!O, things Of Heaven, Christ's evangelBearing, call us with shining face and poised wings, Thou sweetest, dearest angel!