American Gospel

Father looked 'round his house one day Nothing unusual, beauty abundant Mothers voice rang with laughter Children's games, merry clatter How beautiful this is, murmured to self Chest to burst with gladness Clouds ever near, hung from past Lingering near hearth, pain on earth I must ensure such beauty My prize must not be lost Search the world o'er peace must be found Find those wiser than I Surely they must know One day he found it glistening Steeples pointed high Tales of victory o'er fear Praise of saving amongst sky Tired of his travels, sinking into pew Family listened carefully Dissected every word anew They rid themselves of this that and the other Exhausted themselves in newfound clutter Voices were told to not be so loud To save oneself it seemed was quite truculent Nothing was good and small things could be repugnant Quiet eased in, though no small task Games went unplayed, too much was at risk New books were to read, upon ideas abound Ingenuity suffered, upon this frowned Now all is quiet, upon heaven he waits Children have flown, broken wings heavy gaits Mother sits still, she mustn't be a bother Tears fall from heavy eyes God, help our human suffering