Sonnet 04

Alan Seeger

If I was drawn here from a distant place,

‘Twas not to pray nor hear our friend’s address,

But, gazing once more on your winsome face,

To worship there Ideal Loveliness.

On that pure shrine that has too long ignored

The gifts that once I brought so frequently

I lay this votive offering, to record

How sweet your quiet beauty seemed to me.

Enchanting girl, my faith is not a thing

By futile prayers and vapid psalm-singing

To vent in crowded nave and public pew.

My creed is simple: that the world is fair,

And beauty the best thing to worship there,

And I confess it by adoring you.