If but one message I may leave behind,
one single word of courage for mankind,
It would be this: Oh brother, sister, friend,
Whatever life may bring, what God may send,
No matter whether clouds lift soon or late-
take heart and wait.
Despair may tangle darkly at your feet,
Your faith be dimmed, and hope, once cool and sweet,
Be lost- but suddenly above a hill,
A heavenly lamp set on a heavenly sill
Will shine for you and point the way to go.
How well I know!
For I have waited through the dark, and I
Have seen a star rise in the blackest sky,
Repeatedly- it has not failed me yet;
And I have learned God never will forget
to light His lamp. If we but wait for it,
It will be.