The collection Sacred Poems, by Sir Robert Graves, was published posthumously by his brother (Lord Glenelg) in 1839, with a new edition appearing in 1868 (Longmans, Green & Co.). Many of his poems are based on psalms — including “O, Worship the King” which is based on Psalm 104 and became a well-known hymn.
The following poem arose from Psalm 73:25, and has also appeared in edited form as a hymn.
Lord of Earth, Thy Forming Hand
Lord of earth! Thy forming hand
Well this beauteous frame hath planned,
Woods that wave, and hills that tower,
Ocean rolling in his power,
All that strikes the gaze unsought,
All that charms the lonely thought,
Friendship — gem transcending price,
Love — a flower from paradise,
Yet, amid this scene so fair,
Should I cease Thy smile to share,
What were all its joys to me?
Whom have I on earth but Thee?
Lord of heaven! beyond our sight
Rolls a world of purer light;
There in love’s unclouded reign,
Parted hands shall clasp again:
O! that world is passing fair;
Yet, if thou wert absent there,
What were all its joys to me?
Whom have I in heaven but Thee?
Lord of earth and heaven! my breast
Seeks in Thee its only rest;
I was lost; Thy accents mild
Homeward lured Thy wandering child.
I was blind! Thy healing ray
Charmed the long eclipse away;
Source of every joy I know,
Solace of my every woe,
O if once Thy smile divine
Cease upon my soul to shine,
What were earth or heaven to me?
Whom have I in each but Thee?
Entry written by D.S. Martin. He is the author of five poetry collections including Angelicus (2021, Poiema/Cascade), and three anthologies — available through Wipf & Stock. His new book The Role of the Moon, inspired by the Metaphysical Poets, is forthcoming from Paraclete Press.
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