Classic Poem

MAITLAND, FLORIDA

O THOU most dear, thy presence fills the place!
Without, soft airs go wandering to and fro;
By the long path thy purple pansies glow;
While here within this silent, vaulted space
Hearts faint with longing to behold thy face!
Through the dim aisle the solemn chantings flow,
And holy words are said, and prayers breathed low;
How could thy voice pass, leaving here no trace?
Yet still we see thee, hear thee, feel thee near.
Somewhere thou art: and be thou near or far —
Close as this rose, remote as yonder star —
Not all the glories of the realms unknown,
Nor time, nor space, can keep thee from thine own.
Thy presence fills the place, O thou most dear!