Songs and Sonnets (Coleman)/The Voices of Our Day

by Helena Jane Coleman

THE VOICES OF OUR DAY.

 

How shall we bring to one clear tone
The divers voices of our day,
Or what authority obey
Where tongues arise, confused, unknown?

How shall we in the clamor give
To each an undivided ear,
Or through discordant doctrines hear
The still, small voice imperative?

Where devious roadways twist and cross
How shall we find the narrow way
That leads afar to endless day,
Past all this fevered fret and loss?

Can doubting spirits ever thrust
Their roots deep to the heart of life?
Or bear above its toil and strife
The fruit of steadfast love and trust?

When in the wilderness we roam,
And from afar strange voices call,
And night's uncertain shadows fall,
How shall we know which way leads home?