Classic Poem

This is the hour when falls the fadeless light
And hearts turn homeward, weariness oppressed,
To healing springs of sacramental night,
To lofty sources of inspiring rest.

This is the hour when earth-lights disappear,
And starry openings through the night's dim walls
Let angel whispers steal upon the ear
While on the heart Love's perfect music falls.

This is the hour. Lo, all the space around
Is stilled to peace, and down the subtle air
No breezes stir, no step nor word nor sound,
But deep-souled eloquence is breathing there.

Now care and grief and loneliness depart;
Here life bursts forth to new, entrancing song,
The wistful silences with wonder start,
Confessing, though unseen, the angel throng.

The sacred hour, or past or yet to be,
Is when Love's presence to the soul is known;
Then all the universe is home to me,
And Love speaks low, and I am not alone.