Here you will find the Poem I Thirst of poet Frances Ellen Watkins
FIRST VOICE. I thirst, but earth cannot allay The fever coursing through my veins, The healing stream is far away-- It flows through Salem's lovely plains. The murmurs of its crystal flow Break ever o'er this world of strife; My heart is weary, let me go, To bathe it in the stream of life; For many worn and weary hearts Have bathed in this pure healing stream, And felt their griefs and cares depart, E'en like some sad forgotten dream. SECOND VOICE. "The Word is nigh thee, even in thy heart." Say not, within thy weary heart, Who shall ascend above, To bring unto thy fever'd lips The fount of joy and love. Nor do thou seek to vainly delve Where death's pale angels tread, To hear the murmur of its flow Around the silent dead. Within, in thee is one living fount, Fed from the springs above; There quench thy thirst till thou shalt bathe In God's own sea of love.