Vestigia
I took a day to search for God, And found Him not. But as I trod By rocky ledge, through woods untamed, Just where one scarlet lily flamed, I saw His footprint in the sod. Then suddenly, all unaware, Far off in the deep shadows, where A solitary hermit thrush Sang through the holy twilight hush— I heard His voice upon the air. And even as I marvelled how God gives us Heaven here and now, In a stir of wind that hardly shook The poplar leaves beside the brook— His hand was light upon my brow. At last with evening as I turned Homeward, and thought what I had learned And all that there was still to probe— I caught the glory of His robe Where the last fires of sunset burned. Back to the world with quickening start I looked and longed for any part In making saving Beauty be.... And from that kindling ecstasy I knew God dwelt within my heart.
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