 | The Poetical Works of Walter C. Smith |  |
[O barren fruitless years]
“Redeeming the time, because the days
are evil.”—Eph. v. 16.
O barren fruitless years,
Lean wastes of desert sand—
Could I but water you with tears,
And make you fruitful land!
Lean wastes of desert sand—
Could I but water you with tears,
And make you fruitful land!
Oh years that once did reap
A crop of sinful deeds—
Would I might pile them in a heap,
And burn those noxious weeds!
A crop of sinful deeds—
Would I might pile them in a heap,
And burn those noxious weeds!
Oh years of grief and pain
That brought me dull despair—
Might I your wine-press tread again,
And find the blessing there!
That brought me dull despair—
Might I your wine-press tread again,
And find the blessing there!
Oh mingled thread of days,
What have I made of you?
What garment have I wrought of praise
What robe of honour due?
What have I made of you?
What garment have I wrought of praise
What robe of honour due?
Have ye no help in store,
For healing of the mind?
Or will it mend the road before
To grieve for that behind?
For healing of the mind?
Or will it mend the road before
To grieve for that behind?
Though I must bear the blame
Of time misspent and ill,
Let me not clothe myself with shame
By what remaineth still.
Of time misspent and ill,
Let me not clothe myself with shame
By what remaineth still.
| The Poetical Works of Walter C. Smith | |