Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PILLAR OF THE CLOUD by JOHN HENRY NEWMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT, AMID THE ENCIRCLING GLOOM
Last Line: WHICH I HAVE LOVED LONG SINCE, AND LOST AWHILE.
Subject(s): BIBLE; FAITH; GOD; RELIGION; BELIEF; CREED; THEOLOGY;

LEAD, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home, --
Lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene, -- one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou
Shouldst lead me on:
I loved to choose and see my path, but now
Lead thou me on!
I loved the garish days, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long the power hath blessed me, sure it still
Will lead me on;
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag, and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.



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