richards odes

A Sonnet of Praise

When I see the moon and stars,

The breakers crashing on the shore,

A meadow filled with scented flowers,

The lightning flash with thunderous roar;

When I hear the blackbird’s song,

The cry of welcome new-born child,

A friendly campfire sing-along,

The roar of lions in the wild;

All the things that you have made,

The beauty of your nature’s law.

I do not know what can be said,

They fill my heart with wondrous awe.

But I can very plainly see

That even yet you care for me!