Talent

There is a spring within us, God its source,

Which never is defiled, the pure resource

Of perennial growth. This gift we do abuse

If not in use and purely latent.

The talents we possess,

That no one is without, may pass unnoticed

Unless this gift is exercised.

We must not repress

Or keep it hidden, nor use it in excess.

For He does this gift impart

To each a share of something, an art,

Or gift of love, or understanding.

We must not cheat; expression must be made,

But use it for our good –

For it is better to be understood,

Than dumb, expression being sought

For talent, we must not resort to subterfuge.

The talent is an ore that is in the ground

Of our conception, which is sometimes found

In empty rooms, or garret where the poet

Or sculptor lives a life remote.

Refine it in the process, let its growth

Be found. Do not let inertia, sloth

Poison the source of beauty – so the soul

Should use it – not for the vain applause

Of man, but to enrich and glorify His name

Who gave it to us.