Not one in all the lengthening land, In all the sky, Or by the ocean’s silver strand, Is blind as I!
And dost Thou build the blind bird’s nest? Build Thou for me Some shelter where my soul may rest Secure in Thee.
Close clinging to the bending bough, Bind it so fast It shall not loose if high or low Blows the loud blast.
If fierce storms break, and the wild rain Comes pelting in, Cover the shrinking nest, restrain The furious din.
At sultry noontide, when the air Trembles with heat, Draw close the leafy covert where Cool shadows meet.
And when night falleth, dark and chill, Let one fair star, Love’s star all luminous and still, Shine from afar.
Thou who dost build the blind bird’s nest Build Thou for me; So shall my being find its rest Forevermore in Thee.
TWO PATHS
A Path across a meadow fair and sweet, Where clover-blooms the lithesome grasses greet, A path worn smooth by his impetuous feet.
A straight, swift path—and at its end, a star Gleaming behind the lilac’s fragrant bar, And her soft eyes, more luminous by far!