THERE sat a radiant, white-winged Bird—
I listened, but no sound I heard—
And then I spake: "Sweet Bird," I said,
"From what far country hast thou fled?
Whence cam'st thou—and why cam'st thou here?
Canst thou bring aught my soul to cheer?
Hast thou strange news?—speak, gentle Dove!"
And the Bird answered—"God is love."
"They tell me so," I faintly said,
"But joy has flown, and hope is dead,
And I am sick, and sad, and weary,
And life is long, and dark, and dreary—
Think not thy words my spirit move!"
Still the Bird answered—"God is love."
"Some dearly loved are far away,
And some, who fondly near me stay,
Are sick, and sad, and suffering,
While I am weak and murmuring.
Each for the other grieves, and tries
To stay the tears that fill his eyes—
Why comes not comfort from above?"
Firmly, but mournfully, the Dove
Distinctly answered—"God is love."
I started up—"The world," I said,
"Though beautiful it once was made,
Is full of crime and mis'ry now;
Want sits on many a haggard brow;
The warrior wields his bloody sword,
Slaves tremble at the tyrant's word—
Vice honored—virtue scorned—we see,
Why are these ills allowed to be?"
He raised his head, that soft-eyed Dove,
As though my boldness he'd reprove,
Then bowed and answered—"God is love."
"Forgive," I said, in accents mild,
"I would I were again a child.
I've wandered from the heavenly track,
And it is late to journey back;
My wings are clipped. I cannot soar,
I strive to mount, but o'er and o'er
My feeble wings I raise in vain—
I flutter, sink and fall again!"
In low, but earnest tones, the Dove
Still softly murmured—"God is love."
"Thou mov'st me strangely, wondrous Bird!
My soul is strongly, deeply stirred—
My heart grows lighter—may I still
My mission upon earth fulfill,
Proving my love to God sincere,
By doing ALL my duty here?
Shall past omissions be forgiven?
And shall the weary rest in heaven?"
He spread his wings, that radiant Dove,
And cheerily answered—"God is love."
Thou blessed type of joy and peace,
My hope and faith thou'lt still increase—
Be ever near me, gentle Dove,
I know, I feel, that "God is love."