Mrs. Alice Bradley Neal (1828–1863)

ONCE more I sought the casement. Lo! a ray,

Faint and uncertain, struggled through the gloom,

And shed a misty twilight on the room,—

Long-watched-for herald of the coming day!

It brought a thrill of gladness to my breast.

With claspéd hands, and streaming eyes, I prayed,

Thanking my God for light, though long delayed;

And gentle calm stole o’er my wild unrest.

“O soul!” said I, “thy boding murmurs cease.

Though sorrow bind thee as a funeral pall,

Thy Father’s hand is guiding thee through all;

His love will bring a true and perfect peace.

Look upward once again, though drear the night:

Earth may be darkness; Heaven will give thee light.”