Poems (Larcom)/The Presence
THE PRESENCE.
THE mountain statelier lifts his blue-veiled head. While, drawing near, we meet him face to face. Here, as on holy ground, we softly tread; Yet, with a tender and paternal grace, He gives the wild flowers in his lap a place: They climb his sides, as fondled infants might, And wind around him, in a light embrace, Their summer drapery, pink and clinging white. Great hearts have largest room to bless the small; Strong natures give the weaker home and rest: So Christ took little children to his breast, And, with a reverence more profound, we fall In the majestic presence that can give Truth's simplest message: "'T is by love ye live."