Strange, strange for thee and me
⁠⁠Sadly afar;
Thou safe, beyond, above,
⁠⁠I 'neath the star;
Thou where flowers deathless spring,
⁠⁠I where they fade;
Thou in God's paradise,
⁠⁠I 'mid the shade.

Thou where each gale breathes balm,
⁠⁠I tempest-tossed;
Thou where true joy is found,
⁠⁠I where 'tis lost.
Thou counting ages thine,
⁠⁠I not the morrow;
Thou learning more of bliss,
⁠⁠I more of sorrow.

Thou in eternal peace,
⁠⁠I 'mid earth's strife;
Thou where care hath no name,
⁠⁠I where 'tis life.
Thou without need of hope,
⁠⁠I where 'tis vain;
Thou with wings dropping light,
⁠⁠I with time's chain.

Strange, strange for thee and me.
⁠⁠Loved, loving ever;
Thou by life's deathless fount,
⁠⁠I near death's river;
Thou winning wisdom's lore,
⁠⁠I strength to trust;
Thou 'mid the seraphim,
⁠⁠I in the dust.