The Poetry Corner

I Will Not Let Thee Go.

By Pamela S. Vining, (J. C. Yule)

Nay, I will not let thee go, Though the midnight glideth slow, - Though the darkness deep and long Dim the sight and hush the song, On thy tender, faithful breast, Find I still my perfect rest - Soothing sweet for keenest woe - And I will not let thee go! Nay, I will not let thee go, Though the morn's enkindling glow Flame along the mountain-height. Flooding all the hills with light; What can morning bring to me, Tender Shepherd, wanting thee? What its songs but sobs of woe? Nay, I will not let thee go! Nay, I will not let thee go, Though the day no shadows know; Though, the sky's serene to dim, Lower no storm-cloud dark and grim; Whom have I in Heaven but thee? - What beside hath earth for me? - Thou, the only trust I know, - Nay, I will not let thee go! Let thee go? - my Saviour, nay Thou my night's unfailing day, Thou my dawning's tenderest gleam, Thou my noonday's richest beam, - Night is day if thou art near, Day without thee, joyless, drear, - Wanting thee, all bliss were woe, - Nay, I will not let thee go!