Sarah Williams (“Sadie”) (1841–1868)

(From “Responses”)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, saith the Lord.”

I SAID, “The darkness shall content my soul;”

God said, “Let there be light.”

I said, “The night shall see me reach my goal;”

Instead came dawning bright.

I bared my head to meet the smiter’s stroke:

There came sweet dropping oil.

I waited, trembling, but the voice that spoke,

Said gently, “Cease thy toil.”

I looked for evil, stern of face and pale;

Came good, too fair to tell.

I leant on God when other joys did fail;

He gave me these as well.