One Pure Word

 

I would not speak the speech of mortals,

When I would speak with Thee;

Our words are dim and shadowy portals

That veil sincerity.

 

I would not — yet the speech of gods

Is far beyond my reach;

— Wherein the vibrant truth-light fills

Dark lacks of human speech.

 

The darkness breaks up all we say,

One thought splits up another;

Alone among the splints of words

Gleams one pure love-word: "Mother".

 

On this one word I hang my song,

My life, my soul, my all:

The world's night swallows everything,

I let the silence fall

 

Around my words; I know Thy Grace,

Know Thy compassion sweet

Gather the broken song of love

I laid before Thy feet.

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