The steadfast coursing of the stars
The waves that ripples to the shore,
The vigorous trees which year by year
spread upward more and more ;
The jewel forming in the mine,
The snow that falls so soft and light,
The rising and the setting sun
The growing glooms of night;
All nature things both live and move
In nature peace that is their own;
Only in our disordered life
Almost is she unknown.
She is not rest, nor she sleep, nor death;
order and motion ever stand
To carry out her firm behest
As guards at her right hand
And something of her living force
Fashion the lips when our ancestors say
To him whose strength sustains the world,
"Give us Thy Peace, we pray! "
©
M