Lucy Larcom

Life Is Growth

LIFE is growth, and growth is change:
Shall the new be counted strange,
While the rich Past lends perfume
To the Present in its bloom?
Giving on — as they have given,
Passed beyond us into heaven —
Hearts in this Thy service, Lord,

Find their gift its own reward.
New things blossom out of old;
Fading lives with youth unfold,
Standing in Thy sunrise bright,
Bearing flower and fruit of light.
Looking up into Thy face,
Let us broaden, in our place;
Glad in opening wide our doors, —
Glad in pouring out our stores!
Let our wish, our plan, our end,
With Thy widening purpose blend!
Shape Thou what we will and do —
Thou, who makest all things new!