'Twas Grace

'Twas Grace that kept me safe all days,
   And Grace that blocked my paths with thorns;
Grace sought me with a steadied gaze;
   Grace spoke to me my heart to warn.

In pride I tried to climb the heights,
   To reach for honor, fame and pow'r;
But Grace in mercy blocked my flights,
   And undercut my Babel Tow'r.

Then Grace in mercy dealt its blow,
   Its cunning cut that heralded cure:
With plans in ruins and joys now woe,
   I finally saw a hope so sure.

'Tis Grace that leads me down from heights,
   A barren crag and lifeless place;
For blessings come midst radiant lights
   That on the humble shines His Face.

For Grace has taught my heart to love,
   Since nothing good in me I know;
All blessings come from Him Above
   And flow to those who bend most low.

- D. Benning

 

Ode to a Grand Piano

Thou still unrivaled form of loveliness,
       Thou studied child of rhythm, time, and tune,
Pious monk or learnèd sage can but express
       Their bid at earthly beauty but rough-hewn.
What joy there is that lingers round thy form!
       Of sight and sound—the pleasure joined at both—
               The chords and chorus wed in fervencies.
       What joy, what ardor, and what `passioned growth
Enlivens hearts then raptures weave and warm
               Upon the striking of thy pleasant keys.

- D. Benning