Reuben and Other Poems/Preparation for Divine Service

by Blanche Edith Baughan

PREPARATION FOR DIVINE SERVICE

My mind’s a temple.
Come, sweep it clean.
Out with you, low thoughts,
Little thoughts and mean!

What’s the oblation
Offer’d up to-day?
“Joy—in the glory of
A rosy leaf-spray!

“Crisp air, with rain-drops
Wash’d clear and bright:
Hosts of happy sunbeams,
Deluges of light:

“Ripe leaves translucent
Hung against the blue:
Painted air and sunlight
Palpitating thro’.”

O ready make the temple, then!
Dust the dulness out,
Strew the ground with gladness
And scatter health about.

And, as to all the service,
Thanksgiving will be fit.
For when the senses bring a gift,
God smiles on it.