A SOUL'S CRY
O, to be free! For one brief hour
To cast aside the bonds that bind
My soul in their compelling power,—
My spirit-wings again to find!
To cast aside the bonds that bind
My soul in their compelling power,—
My spirit-wings again to find!
O, to be free! To feel the soul
Spring upward, lightened of this day;
To chase the clouds, that outward roll,
And face the everlasting day.
Spring upward, lightened of this day;
To chase the clouds, that outward roll,
And face the everlasting day.
O, to be free! a spirit light,
To float beyond the realms of space,—
To soar into the infinite,
And meet its wonders, face to face.
To float beyond the realms of space,—
To soar into the infinite,
And meet its wonders, face to face.
O, to be free! to turn mine eyes
Back o'er the path in life I trod,
But soaring ever upward, rise
Until I reach Thee O, My God!
Back o'er the path in life I trod,
But soaring ever upward, rise
Until I reach Thee O, My God!
O, to be free! To brave the flame
That circles round Thy presence sweet,
To know Thy love is more than name,—
To pour my worship at Thy feet!
That circles round Thy presence sweet,
To know Thy love is more than name,—
To pour my worship at Thy feet!
O, to be free! My God I pray
Thee for this boon, for one short hour!
Strike off my fetters, that I may
Let my freed soul once try her power!
Thee for this boon, for one short hour!
Strike off my fetters, that I may
Let my freed soul once try her power!