Poems (Hoffman)/Subtle Influence

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SUBTLE INFLUENCE

The flower that lifts its head at morn
Of all its newborn grace unshorn
Breathes out unconscious, though it proves
An odor to despise or love;
Nor is its breath unruled by laws,
A useless myth without a cause;
The sap concealed by Nature's arts
Supplies the odor it imparts,
The juices with its nature blent
Make up its sweet or noxious scent;
Thus subtle influence wafts abroad
A power for evil or for good,
Unrealized its subtle might,
Unrealized its endless flight;
But none life's humblest field may share,
And leave unchanged its atmosphere,
While hidden forces shall control
The subtle incense of the soul.

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