THINGS that I have to hold and keep, ah! these Are not the treasures to my heart most dear; Though many sweet and precious promises Have had their sweet fulfillment, even here. And yet to others, what I name my own Poor unrealities and shows might seem; Since my best house hath no foundation-stone. My tenderest lover is a tender dream. And would you learn who leads me, if below I choose the good or from the ill forbear? A little child He suffered long ago To come unto his arms, and keeps her there! The alms I give the beggar at my gate I do but lend to One who thrice repays; The only heavenly bread I ever ate Came back to find me, after many days. The single friend whose presence cannot fail, Whose face I always see without disguise, Went down into the grave and left the veil Of mortal flesh that hid her from my eyes! My clearest way is that which faith hath shown, Not that in which by sight I daily move; And the most precious thing my soul hath known Is that which passeth knowledge, God's dear love. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO GIOVANNI DA PISTOIA ON THE PAINTING OF THE SISTINE CHAPEL, 1509 by MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI ON THE MORNING OF CHRIST'S NATIVITY: THE HYMN by JOHN MILTON LITTLE ORPHANT ANNIE by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY SILEX SCINTIALLANS: THEY ARE ALL GONE by HENRY VAUGHAN MAUD MULLER by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER THE TAXI by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS |