Skip to content
1850–1919

I AM RUNNING FORTH TO MEET YOU

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I am running forth to meet you, O my Master, For they tell me you are surely on the way; Yes, they tell me you are coming back again ( While I run, while I run ).

And I wish my feet were winged to speed on faster, And I wish I might behold you here to-day, Lord of men. I am running, yet I walk beside my neighbour,

And I take the duties given me to do; Yes, I take the daily duties as they fall ( While I run, while I run ), And my heart runs to my hand and helps the labour,

For I think this is the way that leads to you, Lord of all. I am running, yet I turn from toil and duty, Oftentimes to just the art of being glad;

Yes, to just the joys that make the earth-world bright ( While I run, while I run ). For the soul that worships God must worship beauty, And the heart that thinks of You can not be sad,

Lord of light. I am running, yet I pause to greet my brother, And I lean to rid my garden of its weed; Yes, I lean, although I lift my thoughts above

( While I run, while I run ). And I think of that command,‘ Love one another,’ As I hear discordant sounds of creed with creed, Lord of Love.

I am running, and the road is lit with splendour, And it brightens and shines fairer with each span; Yes, it brightens like the highway in a dream ( While I run, while I run ).

And my heart to all the world grows very tender, For I seem to see the Christ in every man, Lord supreme.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
I AM RUNNING FORTH TO MEET YOU · Ella Wheeler Wilcox · Poetry Cove