Water Lilies

Water Lilies 

ON the lake's calm surface lying, 
Gazing steadfastly to heaven, 

As in loving faith descrying 

Him who their sweet lives hath given; 

Snow-white blossoms, Lilies fair, 

May we too your pureness share. 

Drinking only crystal water 

Type of Heaven's life-giving Spirit 

Flowing from th' eternal fountains, 

Filling souls with holiest merit; 

Self-denying may we live, 

And their lessons true receive. 

Learning how their deep roots grasping, 

Soil and stone their firm foundation, 

Show us, also, we should surely 

Clasp the Rock of our salvation; 

May we humbly strive to be 

Firmly rooted, Christ, in Thee. 

See they spread their broad leaves round 

them, 

Lest in base self-contemplation 

They, themselves, in mirror viewing, 

Lose their heavenward aspiration; 

Free us, Lord, from vanity, 

Keep us looking up to Thee. 

When dark storms o'ercloud the heavens, 

And the lake is wildly leaping, 

Calmly still o'er billows riding, 

They their skyward watch are keeping; 

Seeing light as we may see, 

When mid griefs we look to Thee. 

Sober, patient, chaste, and holy, 

May we shine in Lily whiteness, 

Tender fragrance round us throwing 

Deeds of faith and love's own brightness; 

Thou hast blest the Lilies fair, 

In that blessing may we share. 

References:

Friendly leaves 1882