Lament and Prayer

And when my soul in secret sleep

Its vigil with the Lord doth keep

Will then I know the awesome truth

Of the wasted years of wanton youth?

Still now the ray within me burns

And all my inner being yearns

In a single leap Her truth to know

What then denies this spark to grow?

The sea winds call and cloud-covered sky

Damp earth, the forest's floor and by

A winding stream I've left a part

Of a poignant, longing, searching heart.

Deep dream or wakened falseness feel?

Was ever then the search this real?

Have now I turned from Thee, O Light,

Repelled the orb of truth from sight?

Egregious sins their senseless round

Contaminate the fragrant ground

Where feet of Light have touched and led

A lowly brow on earthly bed.

Come now serene benignant Grace

And quicken the faltering hesitant pace.

Rekindle the flame too lost to be known

Ripen the seed Thy Grace has sown.