Lily Alice Lefevre
Imprisoned
WITHIN, a panic stricken throng
That sudden fear appals,
In blindest fury crashing close
Wide doors to rigid walls—
A wild fierce struggle, life or death,
Each holding ground with gasping breath
Until the weaker falls,—
Each inch of room a battle-field
Where one exults and one must yield.
Without, the boundless earth and air,
The depths of starry space,
Vast oceans that the strong white moon
Uplifts to her embrace;
Free winds of heaven blowing light,
Far planets wheeling through the night
To their appointed place,—
Marvels unseen to captives there,
Imprisoned by their own despair.
Within the gloomy walls of Doubt
Fierce factions wage their war;
Fair Hope lies slain where they have set
Negation’s iron bar.
Pent in their narrow bounds they cry,
“No stars, no sky,—we struggle, die,
And know not why we are.”
Oh, self-immured! ye cannot see?
Stand back!—your brother shall be free.
Stand back!—from ’neath your trampling feet
The young, the weak shall rise.
Their white lips breathe in silent pain
The prayer your pride denies;
Their pale hands clasp the faded flowers
Of faith that bloomed in happier hours
Beneath their childhood’s skies.
Oh, still for these within your walls
May justice, truth and self-control
Set wide the gateways of the soul
To where, beyond, God’s glory calls
Man’s spirit to its goal.
Inspiration
A LARK sprang up to greet the dawn
Close to a rose one day,
The tears upon her glowing cheek
His light wing brushed away,
Her fragrant beauty fresh and fair
He kissed in passing by,
And wove her name into his song
Of rapture in the sky.
The lonely rose sighed, “Ah, my love,
I cannot follow thee;
Far, far above in golden light
Thou hast forgotten me.
Yet am I blest for evermore
Though but an instant dear,—
Thou singest now a sweeter song
For all the world to hear!”