Poems (Larcom)/My Angel-Dress

by Lucy Larcom

MY ANGEL-DRESS.

HEAVENLY Father, I would wear
Angel-garments, white and fair:
Angel-vesture undefiled
Wilt Thou give unto thy child?

Not a robe of many hues,
Such as earthly fathers choose;—
Discord weaves the gaudy vest:
Not in such let me be drest.

Take the raiment soiled away
That I wear with shame to-day:
Give my angel-robe to me,
White with heavenly purity.

Take away my cloak of pride,
And the worthless rags 't would hide
Clothe me in my angel-dress,
Beautiful with holiness.

Perfume every fold with love,
Hinting heaven where'er I move;
As an Indian vessel's sails
Whisper of her costly bales.

Let me wear my white robes here,
Even on earth, my Father dear,
Holding fast Thy hand, and so
Through the world unspotted go.

Let me now my white robes wear:
Then I need no more prepare,
All apparelled for my home
Whensoe'er Thou callest, "Come!"

Thus apparelled, I shall be
As a signal set for Thee,
That the wretched and the weak
May the same fair garments seek.

"Buy of Me," I hear Thee say:
I have naught wherewith to pay,
But I give myself to Thee;
Clothed, adopted I shall be.