MY POEM ON "HOPE."

This would I hold more precious than fine gold,
This would I keep although all else be lost:
Hope in the heart, that precious, priceless thing,
Hope at any cost.

And God, if its fine luster should be dimmed,
If seemingly through grief it may be spent,
Help me to wait without too much despair,
Too great astonishment.

Let me be patient when my spirit lacks,
Its high exuberance, its shining wealth;
Hope is a matter, often God, I know.
Of strength, of health.

Help me to wait until my strength returns,
Help me to climb each difficult, high slope;
Always within my heart some golden gleam,
Some quenchless spark of hope.