WITHIN the sun-lit forest, Our roof the bright blue sky, Where fountains flow, and wild flowers blow, We lift our hearts on high: Beneath the frown of wicked men Our country's strength is bowing; But, thanks to God! they can't prevent The lone wildflowers from blowing! High, high above the tree-tops, The lark is soaring free; Where streams the light through broken clouds His speckled breast I see: Beneath the might of wicked men The poor man's worth is dying; But, thank'd be God! in spite of them, The lark still warbles flying! The preacher prays, "Lord, bless us!" "Lord, bless us!" echo cries; "Amen!" the breezes murmur low, "Amen!" the rill replies: The ceaseless toil of wo-worn hearts The proud with pangs are paying, But here, O God of earth and heaven! The humble heart is praying? How softly, in the pauses Of song, re-echoed wide, The cushat's coo, the linnet's lay, O'er rill and river glide! With evil deeds of evil men The affrighted land is ringing; But still, O Lord! the pious heart And soul-toned voice are singing! Hush! hush! the preacher preacheth: "Wo to the oppressor, wo!" But sudden gloom o'ercasts the sun And sadden'd flowers below; So frowns the Lord! -- but, tyrants, ye Deride his indignation, And see not in the gather'd brow Your days of tribulation! Speak low, thou heaven-paid teacher! The tempest bursts above: God whispers in the thunder: hear The terrors of his love! On useful hands, and honest hearts, The base their wrath are wreaking; But, thank'd be God! they can't prevent The storm of heaven from speaking. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: EUGENIA TODD by EDGAR LEE MASTERS TO THE UNKNOWN EROS: BOOK 1: 16. A FAREWELL by COVENTRY KERSEY DIGHTON PATMORE MAUBERLEY: 5. MEDALLION by EZRA POUND THE THREE HERMITS by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS PEREGRINUS by LASCELLES ABERCROMBIE WITH A COPY OF CALVERLEY by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS |