Poems for the Sea/The Prophet's Vision
THE PROPHET'S VISION.
He look'd, and from the Temple gate
Where the bright orient glow'd,
Fast by the altar's hallow'd base
A stream like chrystal flow'd.
Bathing the feet, that limpid spring
With gentlest murmur crept,
Then deepening to a bolder flood
In fearless current swept.
Till, spreading out, a river broad
In strong, translucent tide,
Those mighty waters, rushing, roll'd,
And foil'd the swimmer's pride.
Oh! vision of the glorious fount
Which the meek Hand that fell
Transpierc'd, on Calvary's fatal cross,
Brought forth a living well,
True symbol of the Gospel's course,
Didst thou that Prophet cheer,
Who erst on Chebar's lonely banks
Shed the pale captive's tear?
On that blest river's banks we dwell,
We drink its healing tide,
So, like the trees Ezekiel saw
His vision'd flood beside,
May we with fresh, unfading leaf
Each changeful season dare,
And still the fruits of faith renew
Till Heaven's pure clime we share.