University of Virginia Library


57

THANKSGIVING.

Out of the blaze of sun I step
Into a darkness cool and deep,
The blessed shadow, black as night,
Dappled with dancing flecks of light.
As to a river I step down,
Put off the languor as a gown,
Lace me in shade from head to feet;
Praise God who made the darkness sweet.
The woodland tunnel stretches far,
Cooler than limpid waters are,
Made all of dancing leaves, inlaid
With gold, as the night-sky is made.
Now God be praised who made the sun
Ripen the harvests every one,
The splendid sun for fruit and grain,
And gives as well the quickening rain.
Yet in the blinding days a-glare,
When leaves all windless hang in the air,
And the flowers fail, and birds are mute,
And life goes with a heavy foot,
All praise to Him whose love foresees
And makes the night-dews, the cool breeze,
And, blessed thought of God! the shade,
To comfort every weary head.