Poems (Angier)/Faith

by Annie Lanman Angier

For works with similar titles, see Faith.

FAITH.

Faith is an anchor,
 Faith is a shield,
Faith is a weapon
 The weakest may wield;
Faith is an antidote,
 Faith is a balm,
Faint can the tyrant
 Terror disarm;
Faith is a comforter,
 Faith is a friend,
Faith is a talisman
 Hearts to defend;
Faith is a monarch
 With power to control
Horror and dread
 When they threaten the soul;
Faith is a sentinel,
 Knowing no fear,
Faith is a watchword,
 The drooping to cheer;
Faith is the whisper
 Of heavenly voice,
Faith bids us learn
 "In all things to rejoice;"
Faith is an altar,
 Where doubt must be laid,
Faith says in the tempest,
 "Be not afraid;"
Faith is a refuge
 From every snare,
Faith nerves us with courage
 The burden to bear;
Faith is a well-spring
 Of peace to the mind,
Faith opens closed lids,
 Gives eyes to the blind,
In Faith's gallant vessel
 We sail o'er life's wave,
Faith flings a halo
 Where Hope finds a grave;
Faith is ours for the asking,
 Then let none despair,
Faith plucks from the bosom
 The arrows of care;
Faith lifts the dark curtain
 That covers the tomb,
And Faith's kindly lamp
 Enlightens its gloom;
Faith triumphs o'er all
 Nor is vanquished by Death;
But the grim King of Terrors
 Is conquered by Faith.
Then pray that this boon
 To all hearts may be given,
Till Faith turns to sight
 'Mid the glories of heaven.