The Stairway
-- by Lenna G. Thomson -- Copyright 1928 -- sent by Vaughn avaughn@ccse.net
I stood at the head of a stairway,
At the top of a number of years
And gazed at the steps I had taken
With eyes that were filled with tears.
I plead in my heart with my Savior
A prayer that was deep and long.
I felt that my heart was breaking
For the days that were past and gone.
The years in my fathers cottage
Where free from care was my life
Seemed the years I most loved of the many.
I went from its doors a wife.
The gates of mother hood opened,
And I knew in my heart its joys,
As I clasped to my loving bosom
My dear little girls and boys.
And the years of their maturing
Were fraught with joy and love
For I clung to the Father’s guidance-
Our Father in Heaven above.
Now the steps had all been taken-
A voice whispered to me I must go,
Must urn from the years that had vanished
And I found in my heart a woe.
I cried aloud in my protest
"Oh God, must these years be lost?
They are all I have to my credit,
And I know right well the cost!"
Then I heard a voice at my elbow, -
"Dear child, look up and see
This voice you are hearing
Has never come from me."
The past is saved in the present,
The present is future’s sheaves,
The fruit has all be gathered -
There is nothing left but the leaves.
So Turn from the past your gazing
And look at the steps above; -
Each step is of burnished silver
In the bright clear light of love.
An use in each effort you are making
True wisdom and love, and prove
There is nothing lost in the taking
For wisdom is God, - So is love."
Then I looked above, and shining
Was a light so bright and fair
I saw more steps were added
This ever upward stair.
I knew that my work was ready,
Each step that I should mount
Was doubled up with value
With not a cent’s discount.
My heart was filled with gladness
And the tears were wiped away,
As I saw the morning sun rise
And new it another day.
Seniors-Site Home Page
Nursing Homes
Articles