Classic Poem

Forgive, dear God, that we have sought Thy face
Elsewhere than in these human faces dear,
That our cold heart has thought to win Thy grace
Save in their conquering smile, atoning tear.

The throne vain fancy sets above the skies,
Transcendencies our pompous schemes essay —
Before the holy light of human eyes
Flooding our souls, the shadows flee away;

And when we claim Thee human, then we find
Not less, but ever more and more of Thee —
Exhaustless thought with simplest task entwined —
Deepest because the Closest mystery.