Poems (Ripley)/The Heart
For works with similar titles, see Heart.
THE HEART
The heart! It is a mystery! Who can its longings quell With earthly things? We think we know Its needs and depths so well. The longed-for things do satisfy But for a little time,—Somehow they do not quench the thirst As the rain the clinging vine.
Some things pall quickly,—others not,—But there will come a day When all the treasures earth can give Will bring us not a ray Of comfort, not a gleam of hope,—But turn to ashes in Our grasp. One thing and only one Will peace and safety win
And that is love. It's not of earth. Its origin's divine! It soothes the troubled waters fierce And never yields to time. For love that's true there is no death. And nothing ever daunts This pure and heavenly fire that's sent To fill the heart's deep wants.
And where love is, there God we'll find,—For He's the fountain-head. And blest ones may not conscious be That He their hearts have wed. The heart where love does reign supreme There's left no void to ache. How full of joy is such a life! And God will ne'er forsake.
Love purifies, ennobles, lifts The heart from earthly things. Unconsciously it leads to God And heavenly knowledge brings To earth. For love is king! There is No greater. Heaven rings With this sweet word. For there it reigns Supreme 'midst beautious things.