Inspired poetry is the song of the heart; it comes from on High. Through poetry so inspired, we hear answers to questions deep and profound. But such answers come not to the mind wallowing in filth, for the Lord will cast no pearls before swine. Listen O man, for that which is of deep import comes only to the pure in heart! Did we live before birth? Unto Job the answer came in the form of a question: “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding…When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4, 7) What value is our time on earth? Does life continue after death? Indeed, unto those of repentant and humble heart, Jesus spoke of many mansions: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2) We look then, to the song of the heart, and the inspired verse of the poetess, for answers deep and profound.
O my Father, thou that dwellest
In the high and glorious place,
When shall I regain thy presence
And again behold thy face?
In thy holy habitation,
Did my spirit once reside?
In my first primeval childhood
Was I nurtured near thy side?
For a wise and glorious purpose
Thou hast placed me here on earth
And withheld the recollection
Of my former friends and birth;
Yet ofttimes a secret something
Whispered, “You’re a stranger here,”
And I felt that I had wandered
From a more exalted sphere.
I had learned to call thee Father,
Thru thy Spirit from on high,
But, until the key of knowledge
Was restored, I knew not why.
In the heav’ns are parents single?
No, the thought makes reason stare!
Truth is reason; truth eternal
Tells me I’ve a mother there.
When I leave this frail existence,
When I lay this mortal by,
Father, Mother, may I meet you
In your royal courts on high?
Then, at length, when I’ve completed
All you sent me forth to do,
With your mutual approbation
Let me come and dwell with you.
(Eliza R. Snow, 1804-1887)