The Oxford Book of Canadian Verse
Van ElsenFrederick George Scott (18611944)
G
He spake by sickness first and made him whole;
Van Elsen heard Him not,
Or soon forgot.
Its treasures at his feet, and called him Lord;
Van Elsen’s heart grew fat
And proud thereat.
And in the sunshine slew his little child;
Van Elsen like a tree
Fell hopelessly.
‘As thy heart bleedeth, so my heart hath bled,
As I have need of thee,
Thou needest me.’
And kneeling by the narrow winding sheet,
Praised Him with fervent breath
Who conquered death.