VISION

by: James H. Cousins

HEN I from life’s unrest had earned the grace

Of utter ease beside a quiet stream;

When all that was had mingled in a dream

To eyes awakened out of time and place;

Then in the cup of one great moment’s space

Was crushed the living wine from things that seem;

I drank the joy of very Beauty’s gleam,

And saw God’s glory face to shining face.

 

Almost my brow was chastened to the ground,

But for an inner Voice that said: ‘Arise!

Wisdom is wisdom only to the wise:

Thou art thyself the Royal thou hast crowned:

In Beauty thine own beauty thou hast found,

And thou hast looked on God with God’s own eyes.’

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