Poems (Trask)/Prayer
For works with similar titles, see Prayer.
PRAYER.
The rosy day is fading out Along the western sky; And through the mellow summer air The white cloud-vessels fly; A breath of odor faint and sweet Comes from the meadow's breast, And all the earth, and heaven, lie Serene in quiet rest.
The universe sleeps tranquilly Beneath the eye of God; And weary feet are resting now Which devious ways have trod; Shall lack of faith, and lack of hope, Disturb and tear my breast? Shall doubt of Heaven's mercy fill me With a vague unrest?
Perplexed and dark my spirit is, I cannot see the way; And grim night flings its banners out Across the brow of day; But though the distant heights are hid In veils of chilly mist, I'll not despair,—the vapors flee When by the sunbeams kissed.
Heaven seems a long, long distance off,— Shut in by brazen bars; Forbidding in their pale, pure light Twinkle the gleaming stars. Failing to call a blessing down, I'll climb the winding stair, And reach the City of our God, Borne by the breath of prayer.