Classic Poem

LIFE 's mystery —deep, restless as the ocean—
Hath surged and wailed for ages to and fro;
Earth's generations watch its ceaseless motion,
As in and out its hollow moanings flow.
Shivering and yearing by that unkown sea,
Lest my shoul calm itself, O Christ, in thee!

Life's sorrows, with inexorable power
Sweep desolation o'er this mortal plain;
And human loves and hopes fly as the chaff
Borne by the whirlwind from the ripened grain
Ah! when before that blast my hopes all flee,
Let my should calm itself, O Christ, in thee!

Between the mysteries of death and life
Thou standest, loving, guiding, not explaining;
We ask, and thou art silent; yet we gaze,
And our charmed hearts forget their drear complaining.
No crushing fate, no stony destiny
O Lamb that hast been slain, we find in thee!

Thy pierced hand guides the mysterious wheels;
Thy thorn-crowned brow now wears the crown of power;
Thy patient voice saith, “Watch with me one hour.”
As sinks the moaning river in the sea
In silver peace, so sinks my soul in thee!