Pray listen, friend and neighbor, may I ask
Just where God's sunshine enters thy domain?
Thy welcome smile, in which I love to bask,
Brings twofold healing to my bed of pain.
Is 't through thy trusting heart that thou receiv'st
The cheer that only heaven can bestow?
Or is it through thy healing words thou leav'st
A sense of quiet rest where'er you go?
Perhaps thine eyes, so filled with hope, may be
The windows to thine inner realm, and through
Them shines the light that helps thee well to see
Thy brother's daily need with clearer view.
Must not the Power that moves thy hand of love,
That guides the far-off planets on their way,
Bring countless joys to thee from skies above,
Like manna justly earned from day to day?
However this may be, dear friend, for thee
My earnest prayer goes forth that thou may'st find
Reward in full, and that thou liv'st to see
Abundant fruitage for thy Christly mind.
A tear of pity for a heart forlorn,
Is Love made manifest; and when we ask
True guidance for the day, each early morn,
The lighter seems our God-appointed task.
