Once as I walked with low bent head
And eyes fixed on the rocky road,
The way seemed long, my progress slow,
While wearily I bore my load.
And then I saw that others walked
With lifted face and eyes aglow,
Because they looked beyond the space
Their faltering feet were forced to go.
And one was singing as he went,
Although I saw his bruised feet bled;
He sang because his sight was set
Upon the distant goal ahead.
My lifted eyes searched, and beyond
Lay, faintly veiled, Love's valley there,
With waters still and clear and cool,
And pastures broad and green and fair.
Peace like a promise touched my heart,
Touched, too, my lips to smile again,
And gave my feet a swift-winged joy,
And silenced every lurking pain.
Oh, let me keep the vision high;
Let God forever be my goal;
For all my way will be a song,
And sense will then be lost in Soul.
