In Dark Places

Who walks beside me in the dark?

When all the hope of light has fled.

Along the halls that worship shade

Coal-diamond glitters. Oft, 'tis said

That miners, deep beneath the ground

Stumble on sights they cannot tell

For in their empty eyes alone

The echoes ring an iron bell.

OOO

Who strides beside me in the storm?

When darkness veils the mortal eye

And lashing winds raise scalding blows

Upon the waves. The mottled sky

Taunts all the freedoms of the day

For when the lighting rends the air

We shudder in the chilling rain

A freedom from all mortal care.

OOO

I know who paces in the rain

Who stands with me throughout the day

When nature bequeaths all the earth

All her vast riches. I will not say

The truth of He who shaped the sun

And teaches All their stately paces

Nor should I even have to name

Who walks beside me in dark places.