Daybreak

Where out beyond the eastern hills
Was faintest light, there, scorning
Shadows which warned us back, we turned
Our faces toward the morning.

And soon by daylight we could see
The road we thought so weary;
Where we were frightened in the night
Was anything but dreary.

On either side grew grass and flowers,
We saw each other’s faces;
The light shone deep into our hearts,
The rocks were resting places.

When first upon that morning cold
We saw the golden glory,
And found the light was meant for us,
And learned anew its story,

We were so glad. With hearts at rest,
In peace the sunshine found us.
We sang a psalm, and smiling watched
The pleasant land around us.

For, though the clouds grow dark o’erhead,
And storms may bring us sorrow,
It’s not for always, and the sun
Still shines—will shine to-morrow.

We lose the path, our feet soon tire;
We seek new ways, lamenting;
And back like truant children come,
Unsatisfied, repenting.

Though we may fall and fall again,
We fear to walk no longer;
And even through mistakes and pain
Can hourly grow the stronger.

Dear Lord of Light! forever lead
Our wandering hearts. Oh! guide us;
Nor let us once in storm or sun
Forget the Friend beside us.