In the forest I hear
Among the whispers of the leaves
A broken string of hours
Wild as a woodpecker
Swaying atop the lip of bark
Where, though I lack wings,
I sing a silent hymn;

Only the echoes attend—to climb
Each sudden burst from the boughs
Like the sun breaking cloud from heaven,
Where a voice loosed and set

Through the brows of greenime I beseech,
And only the echoes give courage to sing free.
For all is within, leaping on air.

The most gracious, silent heights
Wind through with lives, and bask beside
Each flutter; all is bright
Though that light may cling to foliage—like
A hand moved where hearts touch;
Let fall each bud know the sparks beneath.

And tenderly keep pace with me,
In the forest I hear.

For mercy in thy sun
And moon, richer than all toil of earth.

Silent as a feather
Atop the bushes;
With granted blush,
Our songs give thanks to skies!

• Gerard Manley Hopkins