The Inspiration

Marie Van Vorst (1867–1936)

These songs I sing to you, who song inspire.Would I a message new might find and bring!Or touch with a live spark of heavenly fireThese songs I sing!

Take them, for they are doves with fluttering wing,They try to reach your window: lift them higher—Up to your heart—there warm and nestlingThey shall find home, and life! If love aspireShall it not speak? To voice a holy thing,To voice the heart's deep need—the soul's desireThese songs I sing.