If I was drawn here from a distant place, <br />'Twas not to pray nor hear our friend's address, <br />But, gazing once more on your winsome face, <br />To worship there Ideal Loveliness. <br />On that pure shrine that has too long ignored <br />The gifts that once I brought so frequently <br />I lay this votive offering, to record <br />How sweet your quiet beauty seemed to me. <br />Enchanting girl, my faith is not a thing <br />By futile prayers and vapid psalm-singing <br />To vent in crowded nave and public pew. <br />My creed is simple: that the world is fair, <br />And beauty the best thing to worship there, <br />And I confess it by adoring you.<br /><br />Alan Seeger<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-04-5/
