Classic Poem

My God, I thank thee! to thy lofty throne
In gratitude I lift my heart to-night;
For every good and perfect gift comes down
From thee, as from the sun its rays of light.

Each graceful-formed and lovely-tinted flower
Which decks the earth, as stars the evening sky,
Is emblematic of thy love and power,
And speaks of heaven, where flowerets never die.

Such hast thou sent me by the hand of one
United to me by the mystic tie
Which binds in union sweet who seek alone
Thy will to do, who reignest e'er on high.

By her fair flowers thou this day hast sent,
Awaking memories of an island shore,
While tears and smiles within my heart were blent,
At thought of gardens I may tread no more.

Yet, Father, still I thank thee; for I read
On every petal, as a holy page,
That thou art here, thou knowest my spirit-need,
And wilt that spirit's grief by love assuage.

Then, as the token that warm hearts are here,
And loving souls are still around my way,
I take them. Father, this petition hear:
Oh guide the giver to thy perfect day!