ASCENSION

I have been down in the darkest water -

Deep, deep down where no light could pierce;

Alone with the things that are bent on slaughter,

The mindless things that are cruel and fierce.

I have fought with fear in my wave-walled prison,

And begged for the beautiful boon of death;

But out of the billows my soul has risen

To glorify God with my latest breath.

There is no potion I have not tasted

Of all the bitters in life's large store;

And never a drop of the gall was wasted

That the lords of Karma saw fit to pour,

Though I cried as my Elder Brother before me,

‘ Father in heaven, let pass this cup!’

And the only response from the still skies o'er me

Was the brew held close for my lips to sup.

Yet I have grown strong on the gall Elysian,

And a courage has come that all things dares;

And I have been given an inner vision

Of the wonderful world where my dear one fares;

And I have had word from the great Hereafter -

A marvellous message that throbs with truth,

And mournful weeping has changed to laughter,

And grief has changed into the joy of youth.

Oh! there was a time when I supped sweet potions,

And lightly uttered profound belief,

Before I went down in the swirling oceans

And fought with madness and doubt and grief.

Now I am climbing the Hills of Knowledge,

And I speak unfearing, and say‘ I know,’

Though it be not to church, or to book, or college,

But to God Himself that my debt I owe.

For the ceaseless prayer of a soul is heeded,

When the prayer asks only for light and faith;

And the faith and the light and the knowledge needed

Shall gild with glory the path to death.

Oh! heart of the world by sorrow shaken,

Hear ye the message I have to give:

The seal from the lips of the dead is taken,

And they can say to you,‘ Lo! we live.’