IF now anew the search were to be made
For One to guide me onward through the gloom
Of this dim world wherein I walk afraid; —
If, like a child left in an empty room,
Homesick, alone, the silence like a tomb,
I went forth weeping, and should hear one say,
'Here, child!' another, 'Yonder is the way!'
Another,'Come with me! Why care with whom?' —
I do not think I could mistake Thy call
Among ten thousand. Toward Thy voice I grope,
Brother, Friend, Lord! although with many a fall,
And sore bewilderment, and baffled hope.
My needy soul, if ignorant of Thee,
Would prophesy Thy coming. Thou must be!