An Evening Communion

The large first stars come out
Above the open hill,
And in the west the light
Is lingering still.

The wide and tranquil air
Of evening washes cool
On open hill, and vale,
And shining pool.

The calm of endless time
Is in the spacious hour,
Whose mystery unfolds
To perfect flower.

The silence and my heart
Expect a voice I know,--
A voice we have not heard
Since long ago.

Since long ago thy face,
Thy smile, I may not see,
True comrade, whom the veil
Divides from me.

But when earth’s hidden word
I almost understand,
I dream that on my lips
I feel thy hand.

Thy presence is the light
Upon the open hill.
Thou walkest with me here,
True comrade still.

My pain and my unrest
Thou tak’st into thy care.
The world becomes a dream,
And life a prayer.