Author: Abram Joseph Ryan

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    Be you near, or be you far,
    Let my blessing, like a star,
     Shine upon you everywhere!
    And in each lone evening hour,
    When the twilight folds the flower,
     I will fold thy name in prayer.

    In the dark and in the day,
    To my heart you know the way,
     Sorrow's pale hand keeps the key;
    In your sorrow or your sin
    You may always enter in;
     I will keep a place for thee.

    If God's blessing pass away
    From your spirit; if you stray
     From his presence, do not wait.
    Come to my heart, for I keep
    For the hearts that wail and weep,
     Ever opened wide -- a gate.

    In your joys to others go,
    When your feet walk ways of woe
     Only then come back to me;
    I will give you tear for tear,
    And our tears shall more endear
     Thee to me and me to thee.

    For I make my heart the home
    Of all hearts in grief that come
     Seeking refuge and a rest.
    Do not fear me, for you know,
    Be your footsteps e'er so low,
     I know yours, of all, the best.

    Once you came; and you brought sin;
    Did not my hand lead you in --
     Into God's heart, thro' my own?
    Did not my voice speak a word
    You, for years, had never heard --
     Mystic word in Mercy's tone?

    And a grace fell on your brow,
    And I heard your murmured vow,
     When I whispered: "Go in peace."
    "Go in peace, and sin no more,"
    Did you not touch Mercy's shore,
     Did not sin's wild tempest cease?

    Go! then: thou art good and pure!
    If thou e'er shouldst fall, be sure,
     Back to me thy footsteps trace!
    In my heart for year and year,
    Be thou far away or near,
     I shall keep for thee a place.

    Yes! I bless you -- near or far --
    And my blessing, like a star,
     Shall shine on you everywhere;
    And in many a holy hour,
    As the sunshine folds the flower,
     I will fold thy heart in prayer.

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a deep and moving exploration of unconditional love, forgiveness, and spiritual comfort. Operating on a theme of spiritual sanctuary, the speaker offers a constant, unwavering refuge for a loved one who may be struggling with sin, sorrow, or loss. The tone is tender and compassionate, underpinned by a sense of quiet resilience and unwavering commitment to providing solace for the loved one.

The structure of the poem, consistent in its rhyming scheme and rhythm, mirrors the steadfastness of the speaker's love and promise. Repetition is a key literary device employed throughout, reinforcing the speaker's consistent message of love, acceptance, and spiritual guidance. The imagery of the 'star' and 'gate' are powerful symbols representing the enduring light of love and an always-open pathway to comfort. Furthermore, the use of natural imagery, such as 'twilight', 'flower', and 'sunshine', not only provides a soothing backdrop but also underscores the cyclical nature of life's struggles and the speaker's unwavering support throughout. The poem concludes by reaffirming the speaker's blessing and commitment to prayer, demonstrating the profound spiritual depth of their love.