On its roots like iron claws
Rearing up so blue and tall,--
It was all the gallant Earth
With its back against a wall!

In a breath, ere I had breathed,--
Oh, I laughed, I cried, to see!--
I was kneeling at its side,
And it leaned its head on me!

Crumbling stones and sliding sand
Is the road to Heaven now;
Icy at my straining knees
Drags the awful under-tow;

Soon but stepping-stones of dust
Will the road to Heaven be,--
Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
Reach a hand and rescue me!

"There--there, my blue-flag flower;
Hush--hush--go to sleep;
That is only God you hear,
Counting up His folded sheep!

Lullabye--lullabye--
That is only God that calls,
Missing me, seeking me,
Ere the road to nothing falls!