Song of William Hermanns

                         My Eyes

THE world had slowly dimmed my eyes;
I knew not how to pray.
I breathed the dust of barren ground,
And night engulfed my day.
I bade my neighbor lead me on,
But his sight too, had almost gone.
Alone I trod the road of sighs;
I trod where stones abound.

A star left then its azure cell
To cast a silver line
Into the dimming vesper tide
And made the darkness shine.
I raised my weary eyes to seek
The grace of light. I heard it speak
As though the starry sentinel
Were walking at my side.

"O foolish one, have you not heard—
Look not to men or skies!
As candles through the windows glow,
The soul illumines eyes;
Makes night before the dawn retreat,
Turns stones to lamps beneath the feet.
Your eyes are kindled by the Word.
Be still, be still, and know."

                                     William Hermanns    [P170]