A Celebration of Women Writers

"The Things That Are Unseen Are Eternal." by Jane Taylor (1783-1824)
Publication: The Writings of Jane Taylor, In Five Volumes by Jane Taylor. Volume I, Memoirs and Poetical Remains.. Edited by Isaac Taylor, Jr., of Stanford Rivers. Boston: Perkins & Marvin, 1832. pp. 345-346.

Editor: Mary Mark Ockerbloom

"THE THINGS THAT ARE UNSEEN ARE ETERNAL."

THERE is a state unknown, unseen,
  Where parted souls must be;
And but a step may be between
  That world of souls and me.

The friend I loved has thither fled,
  With whom I sojourned here:
I see no sight–I hear no tread;
  But may she not be near?

I see no light–I hear no sound,
  When midnight shades are spread;
Yet angels pitch their tents around,
  And guard my quiet bed.

Jesus was rapt from mortal gaze,
  And clouds conveyed him hence;
Enthroned amid the sapphire blaze,
  Beyond our feeble sense.–

Yet say not–who shall mount on high,
  To bring him from above?
For lo! the Lord is always nigh
  The children of his love.

The Saviour whom I long have sought,
  And would, but cannot see–
And is he here? O wondrous thought!
  And will he dwell with me?

I ask not with my mortal eye
  To view the vision bright?
I dare not see Thee, lest I die;
  Yet Lord, restore my sight!

[Page 346] 

Give me to see Thee, and to feel–
  The mental vision clear:
The things unseen reveal! reveal!
  And let me know them near.

I seek not fancy's glittering height,
  That charmed my ardent youth;
But in thy light would see the light,
  And learn thy perfect truth.

The gathering clouds of sense dispel,
  That wrap my soul around;
In heavenly places make me dwell,
  While treading earthly ground.

Illume this shadowy soul of mine
  That still in darkness lies;
O let the light in darkness shine,
  And bid the day-star rise!

Impart the faith that soars on high,
  Beyond this earthly strife,
That holds sweet converse with the sky,
  And lives Eternal Life!

1823.

Editor: Mary Mark Ockerbloom