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I Am Running Forth To Meet You

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.