The Oxford Book of Canadian Verse
Te Deum LaudamusFrancis Joseph Sherman (18711926)
I
Knowing that it shall be most worthy of
His kindness and His pity and His love
I will wait patient, till, from sphere to sphere,
Across large times and spaces, ringeth clear
The voice of Him who sitteth high above,
Saying, ‘Behold! thou hast had pain enough;
Come; for thy Love is waiting for thee here!’
I know that it must happen as God saith.
I know it well. Yet, also, I know well
That where birds sing and yellow wild-flowers dwell,
Or where some strange new sunset lingereth,
All Earth shall alway of her presence tell
Who liveth not for me this side of death.