The Prophet

A strong, stern Hand has steeled my heart,
And blessed me has the mouth of God.
I am the plough, I am the sod,
The tempest, and the lightning's dart.

I am the flood-swell none may pass,
The hurricane that wrecks, pursues.
And I am rain that glad bedews
A desert for one blade of grass.

I am the cloud-mist distant seen,
The echo from a mountain height,
I am a high deed's high delight,
And quickening sorrow that makes green.

I am the threshold and the key,
I am the gate and gate-way long.
I am a promise, and a song
With singing woodlands back of me.