I am a river flowing from God’s sea <br />Through devious ways. He mapped my course for me; <br />I cannot change it; mine alone the toil <br />To keep the waters free from grime and soil <br />The winding river ends where it began; <br />And when my life had compassed its brief span <br />I must return to that mysterious source. <br />So let me gather daily on my course <br />The perfume from the blossoms as I pass, <br />Balm from the pines, and healing from the grass, <br />And carry down my current as I go <br />Not common stones but precious gems to show; <br />And tears (the holy water from sad eyes) <br />Back to God’s sea, from which all rivers rise, <br />Let me convey, not blood from wounded hearts, <br />Nor poison which the upas-tree imparts. <br />When over flowery vales I leap with joy, <br />Let me not devastate them, nor destroy, <br />But rather leave them fairer to the sight; <br />Mine be the lot to comfort and delight. <br />And if down awful chasms I needs must leap, <br />Let me not murmur at my lot, but sweep <br />On bravely to the end without one fear, <br />Knowing that He who planned my ways stands near. <br />For Love is all, and over all. Amen.<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-river-5/
