Classic Poem

Hark how a silver music falls
Between these meek monastic walls,
And airy flute and psaltery
Awaken heavenly melody!

Yet not to unentuned ears
May come the joyance of the spheres,
And only humbled hearts may see
The humble heart of mystery.

Where tread in light and lilting ways
Bright angels through the dance's maze
On grassy floors to meet the just
In robes of woven diamond dust.

And jewelled daisies burst to greet
The flutter of the Blessed's feet:
Along the cloister's gathered gloom
Lilies and mystic roses bloom.

Grown in the hush of hidden hours
Thoughts fairer than the summer flowers
Lift up their sweet and living heads,
Crystalline whites and sanguine reds!

Who keep in lowly pageantry
Silence a lovely ceremony;
Who set a seal upon their eyes
Responsive only to the skies;

Who in a quick obedience move
Along the hallowed paths of love,
Win at last to that secret place
Adorned with the glory of God's face.

And as each eve the tired sun
Sinks softly down, the long day done,
Upon the bosom of the west —
So, even so, upon God's breast

Each weary heart is folded deep
Into His arms in quiet sleep,
And sheltered safe, all warm and bright,
Against the phantoms of the night.