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Morley  
Christopher Morley
1890-1957

"The Church
of Unbent Knees"

 

As I went by the church to-day
     I heard the organ cry;
And goodly folk were on their knees,
     But I went striding by.

My minister hath a roof more vast:
     My aisles are oak-trees high;
My altar-cloth is on the hills,
     My organ is the sky.

I see my rood upon the clouds,
     The winds, my chanted choir;
My crystal windows, heaven-glazed,
     Are stained with sunset fire.

The stars, the thunder, and the rain,
     White sands and purple seas –
These are His pulpit and His pew,
     My God of Unbent Knees!

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