The poem as it appeared in The Temple: Sacred poems and private ejaculations. Each stanza was on a different page. The poem was meant to be appreciated both for the meaning of its words and for the shape the words took, reminiscent of birds flying up with outstretched wings.

LORD, who createdst man in wealth and store,
  Though foolishly he lost the same,
  Decaying more and more,
  Till he became
  Most poor:
  With thee
  O let me rise
  As larks, harmoniously,
  And sing this day thy victories:
Then shall the fall further the flight in me.

  My tender age in sorrow did begin:
  And still with sicknesses and shame
  Thou didst so punish sin,
  That I became
  Most thin.
  With thee
  Let me combine
  And feel this day thy victory
  For, if I imp my wing on thine,
Affliction shall advance the flight in me.

This work was published before January 1, 1927, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

 
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