Nature

The Col de Balm

by Frances Ridley Havergal 1836–1879

From Under the Surface

Nature

Sunshine and silence on the Col de Balm !
I stood above the mists, above the rush
Of all the torrents, when one marvellous hush
Filled God's great mountain temple, vast and calm,
With hallelujah light, a seen though silent psalm ; —
Crossed with one discord, only one. For Love
Cried out, and would be heard :' If ye were here,
O friends, so far away and yet so near,
Then were the anthem perfect !' And the cry
Threaded the concords of that Alpine harmony.

Not vain the same fond cry, if first I stand
Upon the mountain of our God, and long,
Even in the glory, and with His new song
Upon my lips, that you should come and share
The bliss of heaven, imperfect still till all are there.
Dear ones ! shall it be mine to watch you come
Up from the shadows and the valley mist,
To tread the jacinth and the amethyst,
To rest and sing upon the stormless height,
In the deep calm of love and everlasting light ?

MLA

Havergal, Frances Ridley. “The Col de Balm.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/havergal/371/.

Chicago

Havergal, Frances Ridley. “The Col de Balm.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/havergal/371/.

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