DAY AND NIGHT

When the herald of morn
Pipes a new day just born,
And the curtain of night fades away;
When Old Sol in his might
So majestic and bright
From the east sends his first cheering ray,
As the dawn breaks before us
Earth joins in the chorus
To welcome another new day.

When the curtain of night
Shrouds this earth from our sight,
And the stars from their canopies peep;
With the sun sank to rest
And each bird in it's nest,
As wild beasts through the deep forest creep;
While all nature's reclining,
And evening star shining,
Creation it's vigil will keep.

When the midnight moon beams,
And we're deep in our dreams,
While the earth speeds us on to'ards the sun;
As the morning star rise
In the far eastern skies,
Proclaiming the night's course has run,
As the dawn breaks before us
Earth joins in the chorus
To welcome the new day begun.

March, 1951

THANK GOD FOR SLEEP

Thank God for sleep, the greatest gift to man
When mind and body eased from stress and care
In deep oblivion rests new strength to gain,
To face whate'er tomorrow have to share.

How sweet is sleep a boon to weary souls,
When brain and limbs repose in peaceful rest,
Some from their daily grind and honest toil,
And some from anxious care and daily stress.

How sweet to lie relaxed in quiet rest
Until the weary eyelids gently steep,
Then drift away to dream in slumber land,
'Til wakened once again from restful sleep.

How sweet the slumber of a little child,
So cherubic and radiant she beams;
Their gentle breathing like wee zehyrs flow
And nothing to disturb their little dreams.

How sweet to rest when all around is still,
And moonbeams through the curtains gently sweep,
Then fall asleep, knowing that all is well,
And God above will guard us while we sleep.

May, 1951

TRUSTING

I do not wish
To know what waits around the bend
Of this life's road on which I wearily wend,
There'll be safe lodgings at its farther end
When day is done.

I do not ask
Or yearn to know what lies before,
Or what each day in future have in store;
But when at last this pilgrimage is o'er
I'll understand.

I would not choose
To journey through this world again,
Amidst discomfort, weariness and pain;
But life is sweet, and here I shall remain
Until life's end.

I dare not choose
My path I tread from day to day,
'Though oft I fain would choose some smoother way;
But trusting to a greater Strength I'll say
Thy will be done.

I'll ask no favours when at last my score
Is added up, but this I will implore,
For just a humble place, just 'round the door
Of God's great love.

May 9, 1951