  I stood upon the slender link That joins two cities into one, And saw from thence the storm-clouds drink Their moisture from the sun. I watched their lowering, frowning edge, Girt round with silver band, Saw castles tall and towering ledge Assume their forms so grand. I saw the marshalled hosts of heaven Join for the mighty fray, Their ranks by tempest-winds were driven Along their dark highway. High in the heavens the giant forms Of chariots, horsemen, towers stand, Whose home is ever 'mid the storms— When chaos reigns, most grand. I saw the fragments of the cloud Join with the nucleus form, Cirrus to Nimbus quickly bowed— Sure harbinger of storm. These were but outward signs I saw, Portending danger, strife, and fear, Yet still I knew by Nature's law, Beyond the clouds, 'twas clear. In spite of cloud and storm and strife, Of tempests wild, severe, There's sunshine in our daily life, If one true heart is near. No battle vanquishes the true, E'en thought of death is sweet To him whose soul would e'er subdue The scorpion-sting—deceit. One trusting, true, and tender heart Can cure a thousand ills, Extract the poison from the dart Of malice e'er it kills. Oh, marshalled hosts of warring clouds! Teach me this truth to know, There's light beyond, though trouble shrouds The valley here below. |
|
