The Blind Bird's Nest

Thou who dost build the blind bird's nest,Am I not blind?Each bird that flyeth east or westThe track can find.

Each bird that flies from north to southKnows the far way;From mountain's crest to river's mouthIt does not stray.

Not one in all the lengthening land,In all the sky,Or by the ocean's silver strand,Is blind as I!

And dost Thou build the blind bird's nest?Build Thou for meSome shelter where my soul may restSecure in Thee.

Close clinging to the bending bough,Bind it so fastIt shall not loose if high or lowBlows the loud blast.

If fierce storms break, and the wild rainComes pelting in,Cover the shrinking nest, restrainThe furious din.

At sultry noontide, when the airTrembles with heat,Draw close the leafy covert whereCool shadows meet.

And when night falleth, dark and chill,Let one fair star,Love's star all luminous and still,Shine from afar,

Thou who dost build the blind bird's nestBuild Thou for me;So 4hall my being find its restForevermore in Thee.