To R.
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ON HER BIRTHDAY
The repetition of thy gracious years Brings back once more thy natal morn. Upon the crest of youth thy life appears, – A wave upborne.
Amid the hundreds thronging Ocean’s floor A wave upon the crowded sea With regular rhythm pushing towards the shore Our life must be.
The power that moves it is the Ocean’s force Invincible, eternal, free, And by that impulse it pursues its course Inevitably.
We, too, by the Eternal Might are led To whatsoever goal He wills. Our helm He grasps, our generous sail outspread His strong breath fills.
Exulting in the grace and strength of youth Pursue the Ocean’s distant bound, Trusting the Pilot’s voice, the Master’s ruth That rings us round.
Rejoice and fear not for the waves that swell, The storms that thunder, winds that sweep; Always our Captain holds the rudder well, He does not sleep.
If in the trough of the enormous sea Thou canst not find the sky for spray, Fear never, for our Sun is there with thee By night and day. Page-75 Even those who sink in the victorious flood, Where do they sink? Into His breast. He who to some gives victory, joy and good, To some gives rest.
But thou, look to the radiant days that wait Beyond the driving rain and storm. I have seen the vision of a happier fate Brightening thy form.
Confident of His grace, expect His will; Let Him lead; though hidden be the bourne, See Him in all that happens; that fulfil For which thou wert born. Page-76 |