Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/Discouraged because of the Way

Discouraged because of the Way.

The way seems dark about me—overhead
The clouds have long since met in gloomy spread,
And, when I looked to see the day break through,
Cloud after cloud came up with volume new.

And in that shadow I have passed along,
Feeling myself grow weak as it grew strong,
Walking in doubt, and searching for the way,
And often at a stand—as now to-day.

And if before me on the path there lies
A spot of brightness from imagined skies,
Imagined shadows fall across it too,
And the far future takes the present's blue.

Perplexities do throng upon my sight,
Like scudding fog-banks, to obscure the light;
Some new dilemma rises every day,
And I can only shut my eyes and pray.

Lord, I am not sufficient for these things,
Giver me the light that Thy sweet presence brings;
Give me Thy grace, give my Thy constant strength;
Lord, for my comfort now appear at length.

It may be that my way doth seem confused,
Because my heart of Thy way is afraid;
Because my eyes have constantly refused
To see the only opening Thou hast made.

If thus I try to force my way along—
The smoothest road encumbered is for me;
For were I as an angel, swift and strong,
I could not go, unless allowed by Thee.

And now I pray Thee, Lord, to lead Thy child—
Poor wretched wanderer from Thy grace and love;
Whatever way Thou pleasest through the wild,
So it but take her to Thy home above.