THEY have toiled all the night, the long weary night, <br />They have toiled all the night, Lord, and taken nothing:-- <br />The heavens are as brass, and all flesh seems as grass, <br />Death strikes with horror and life with loathing. <br /> <br />Walk'st Thou by the waters, the dark silent waters, <br />The fathomless waters that no line can plumb? <br />Art Thou Redeemer, or a mere schemer-- <br />Preaching a kingdom that cannot come? <br /> <br />Not a word say'st Thou: no wrath betray'st Thou: <br />Scarcely delay'st Thou their terrors to lull; <br />On the shore standing, mutely commanding, <br />'Let down your nets!'--And they draws them up,--full! <br />* * * * * <br /> <br />Jesus, Redeemer,--only Redeemer! <br />I, a poor dreamer, lay hold upon Thee: <br />Thy will pursuing, though no end viewing, <br />But simply doing as Thou biddest me. <br /> <br />Though Thee I see not,--either light be not, <br />Or Thou wilt free not the scales from mine eyes, <br />I ne'er gainsay Thee, but only obey Thee; <br />Obedience is better than sacrifice. <br /> <br />Though on my prison gleams no open vision, <br />Walking Elysian by Galilee's tide, <br />Unseen, I feel Thee, and death will reveal Thee: <br />I shall wake in Thy likeness, satisfied.<br /><br />Dinah Maria Mulock Craik<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/fishermen-not-of-galilee/
