Poems (Ripley)/The Heart

by Lillie Rosalie Ripley

THE HEART

The heart! It is a mystery!
Who can its longings quell
With earthly things? We think we know
Its needs and depths so well.
The longed-for things do satisfy
But for a little time,—
Somehow they do not quench the thirst
As the rain the clinging vine.

Some things pall quickly,—others not,—
But there will come a day
When all the treasures earth can give
Will bring us not a ray
Of comfort, not a gleam of hope,—
But turn to ashes in
Our grasp. One thing and only one
Will peace and safety win

And that is love. It's not of earth.
Its origin's divine!
It soothes the troubled waters fierce
And never yields to time.
For love that's true there is no death.
And nothing ever daunts
This pure and heavenly fire that's sent
To fill the heart's deep wants.

And where love is, there God we'll find,—
For He's the fountain-head.
And blest ones may not conscious be
That He their hearts have wed.
The heart where love does reign supreme
There's left no void to ache.
How full of joy is such a life!
And God will ne'er forsake.

Love purifies, ennobles, lifts
The heart from earthly things.
Unconsciously it leads to God
And heavenly knowledge brings
To earth. For love is king! There is
No greater. Heaven rings
With this sweet word. For there it reigns
Supreme 'midst beautious things.