FIRST VOICE. <br /> <br />I thirst, but earth cannot allay <br />The fever coursing through my veins, <br />The healing stream is far away-- <br />It flows through Salem's lovely plains. <br /> <br />The murmurs of its crystal flow <br />Break ever o'er this world of strife; <br />My heart is weary, let me go, <br />To bathe it in the stream of life; <br /> <br />For many worn and weary hearts <br />Have bathed in this pure healing stream, <br />And felt their griefs and cares depart, <br />E'en like some sad forgotten dream. <br /> <br /> <br />SECOND VOICE. <br /> <br />"The Word is nigh thee, even in thy heart." <br /> <br />Say not, within thy weary heart, <br />Who shall ascend above, <br />To bring unto thy fever'd lips <br />The fount of joy and love. <br /> <br />Nor do thou seek to vainly delve <br />Where death's pale angels tread, <br />To hear the murmur of its flow <br />Around the silent dead. <br /> <br />Within, in thee is one living fount, <br />Fed from the springs above; <br />There quench thy thirst till thou shalt bathe <br />In God's own sea of love.<br /><br />Frances Ellen Watkins Harper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-thirst/
