Life

Jones Very (1813–1880)

IT is not life upon thy gifts to live,

But to grow fixed with deeper roots in Thee;

And when the sun and showers their bounties give,

To send out thick-leaved limbs; a fruitful tree

Whose green head meets the eye for many a mile,

Whose spreading boughs a friendly shelter rear,

And full-faced fruits their blushing welcome smile

As to its goodly shade our feet draw near.

Who tastes its gifts shall never hunger more,

For ’t is the Father spreads the pure repast,

Who, while we eat, renews the ready store,

Which at his bounteous board must ever last;

And, as the more we to his children lend,

The more to us doth of his bounty send.