Lord, from my shadows do I flee
Into Thy lovely light:
To sin’s black dross that beauty seems
A furnace fierce and bright;
But its cool light shines on virtue
Like the moon on flowers by night.
Thou smilest, gentle, on those saints
Who tread the Noble Way;
But fierce and furious dost Thou scowl
On fools who walk astray;
These, with a lotus, do You bless,
These, with a sword, You slay.
Teach me to see beyond, Lord,
Thine aspects sweet or stern;
Let my soul not fear destruction,
Nor yet for blessings yearn:
May I leave behind all names and forms
When to Thy light I turn.
