Poems (Procter)/Threefold
THREEFOLD.
OTHER of grace and mercy, Behold how burdens threeWeigh down my weary spirit, And drive me here—to Thee.Three gifts I place forever Before thy shrine: The threefold offering of my love, Mary, to thine!The Past: with all its memories, Of pain—that stings me yet;Of sin—that brought repentance; Of joy—that brought regret.That which has been:—forever So bitter-sweet—I lay in humblest offering Before thy feet.
The Present: that dark shadow Through which we toil to-day;The slow drops of the chalice That must not pass away.Mother! I dare not struggle, Still less despair:I place my Present in thy hands, And leave it there.
The Future: holding all things Which I can hope or fear,Brings sin and pain, it may be, Nearer and yet more near.Mother! this doubt and shrinking Will not depart,Unless I trust my Future To thy dear Heart.
Making the Past my lesson, Guiding the Present right,Ruling the misty Future,— Bless them and me to-night. What may be, and what must be, And what has been,In thy dear care forever I leave, my Queen!