Poems (Helen Jenkins)/The Chaplet of Faith

THE CHAPLET OF FAITH.

Last night, in wildering dreamland,
I saw a marvelous tree;
Laden with amaranthine bloom,
The boughs drooped over me.
But far more beautiful than all,
In glorious garments drest,
My sainted Angel-mother there
Received me as her guest.

And the look of soul-lit glory
Was beaming in her face,
As in those weary, waiting hours,—
A look of heavenly grace,—
When her true heart, self-forgetful
Of all weariness and pain,
Thrilled with the deep devotion
Of her deathless love again.

There, close around us in a group,
Were gathered, side by side,
The dear ones who had gone before,—
Loved faces glorified,—
And clasping Father's hand I stood.
How with joy his face did shine
As he caught the sweet reflection
Of her look of love divine!

I longed to embrace my Mother,
And press her lips again;
But she seemed so fair and holy,
And I so poor and mean,
I could only look and listen
To each tender, thrilling word:
"I have come to bring good tidings
Of the truth so often heard.

"I find in Heaven peace and joy
Surpassing every thought;
O, the half was never told you!
Let this truth be ne'er forgot.
Could you look upon the Saviour,
Jesus Christ, the risen Lord,
You would shout and sing 'Hosanna!
Praise to the eternal God!'

"But that face, divine, supernal,
Mortal eyes may not behold;
Or the streets of yonder city,
Likened unto precious gold.
In his own good time, remember,
You shall cross the shining tide;
For you see the light is streaming
Over from the other side.

"You have read each word of promise;
Strive to do God's holy will;
And be sure He never faileth
His good pleasure to fulfill.
He who ne'er forgets or slumbers,
Holds you in His mighty hand.
All shall be redeemed and happy,—
Not one wanderer from this land.

"Now I'll weave for you a chaplet
Of the flowers from this tree,
As a seal of faith, undoubting
Future immortality.
But, if sin your hands should blacken,
It will wither, fade and die;
While its fragrant beauty ever
Shall reward true piety."

Then, with upward look, a blessing
Was besought for every one;
Yet I thought with deeper pathos
For one dear, one precious son;
One around whom every fibre
Of her heart's pure love did twine,
In the earth-life, so devoted,—
Can it now be more divine?

Vanished then the vision lovely
From my joyous, raptured sight;
And around me only darkness
And the stillness of the night.
Yes, O yes! the dear Lord helping,
We will keep thy chaplet pure!
For we know Jehovah reigneth,
And his promises are sure.