Poems (Follen)/On Prayer

by Eliza Lee Cabot Follen

ON PRAYER.

As through the pathless fields of air
 Once wandered forth the timid dove,
So does the heart, in humble prayer,
 Essay to reach the throne of love.

Like her it may return unblest;
 Like her again may soar,
And still return and find no rest,
 No peaceful, happy shore.

But now once more she spreads her wings,
 And takes a bolder flight;
And, see! the olive-branch she brings,
 To bless her master's sight.

And thus the heart renews its strength,
 Though spent and tempest-driven;
And higher soars, and brings, at length,
 A pledge of peace with heaven.