Classic Poem

How faint and feeble are the words we speak
When deep emotions in our souls awake!
How vainly do we strive our inmost heart
To friends on earth by language to impart!
When, heavenly Logos! will the hour draw nigh
That angel-language will our need supply?

Oft have my lips to silence been compelled,
Because the love, which from deep fountains welled
For cherished friends, had utterance denied;
Since earth hath not that language, deep and wide,
Yet comprehensive, which those bright ones know
Who dwell in bliss where soon we hope to go.

Oft as my soul has bowed in solemn prayer,
I've sought to speak its adoration there,
And sighed in vain for that live, burning coal
Which touched the poet-prophet's lips of old,
And yet rejoiced that Christ could read my heart,
And knew the worship language failed t'impart.

There comes a day, my spirit joys to know,
When thought and utterance side by side shall flow:

Both from the fount of the affections spring,
And each the wealth of heavenly wisdom bring,
O blessed Master! bring me to that land
Where those I love my heart shall understand.

Guide me, oh, guide me! o'er Life's waters dark,
Till moored in heaven is my spirit bark,
Where, with angelic language, I may tell
My love for him who " doeth all things well, "
Life's stormy gales to heavenly zephyrs lulled,
And all my soul by perfect love controlled.