1 When night falls on the earth, the sea <br />2 From east to west lies twinkling bright <br />3 With shining beams from beacons high <br />4 Which flash afar a friendly light. <br /> <br />5 The sailor's eyes, like eyes in prayer, <br />6 Turn unto them for guiding ray: <br />7 If storms obscure their radiance, <br />8 The great ships helpless grope their way. <br /> <br />9 When night falls on the earth, the sky <br />10 Looks like a wide, a boundless main. <br />11 Who knows what voyagers sail there? <br />12 Who names the ports they seek and gain? <br /> <br />13 Are not the stars like beacons set <br />14 To guide the argosies that go <br />15 From universe to universe, <br />16 Our little world above, below?-- <br /> <br />17 On their great errands solemn bent, <br />18 In their vast journeys unaware <br />19 Of our small planet's name or place <br />20 Revolving in the lower air. <br /> <br />21 O thought too vast! O thought too glad! <br />22 An awe most rapturous it stirs. <br />23 From world to world God's beacons shine: <br />24 God means to save his mariners!<br /><br />Helen Hunt Jackson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/god-s-light-houses/
