Francis Joseph Sherman (1871–1926)

I WILL praise God alway for each new year.

Knowing that it shall be most worthy of

His kindness and His pity and His love

I will wait patient, till, from sphere to sphere,

Across large times and spaces, ringeth clear

The voice of Him who sitteth high above,

Saying, ‘Behold! thou hast had pain enough;

Come; for thy Love is waiting for thee here!’

I know that it must happen as God saith.

I know it well. Yet, also, I know well

That where birds sing and yellow wild-flowers dwell,

Or where some strange new sunset lingereth,

All Earth shall alway of her presence tell

Who liveth not for me this side of death.