Poems (Sharpless)/Peace

by Frances M. Sharpless

For works with similar titles, see Peace.

PEACE

I have a gem in my bosom hid,
 From curious eyes it lieth alone;
And no miser can joy more over his gold
 Than I o'er this jewel that's all my own.

When cruel words, with their stings of scorn,
 Pierce my unguarded and ready heart,
I look on its pearl-like beauty, calm,
 Till its soft glow sootheth the bitter smart.

It is mine, all mine, while my life shall last,
 Given of God, and of only Him;
I leave the noisy mirth of the world,
 The gaudy lustre that makes it dim,

To go alone, or with one I love,
 Where silence and shadow brood calm and fair;
And looking deep in my soul I find
 This glorious jewel glowing there.

You who would know what its name may be,
 When most your hearts are free from care,
Resting on God with a child-like trust,
 Look in your souls, you will find it there.

When the whole wide world seems fullest of love
 That spreads like a veil over sorrow and sin,
When holy thoughts seem natural and right,
 Look then, for it nestles close within.