Imperfectus

I wonder if ever a song was sung, But the singer's heart sang sweeter! I wonder if ever a rhyme was rung, But the thought surpassed the meter! I wonder if ever a sculptor wrought, Till the cold stone echoed his ardent thought! Or if ever a painter, with light and shade, The dream of his inmost heart portrayed!

I wonder if ever a rose was found, And there might not be a fairer! Or if ever a glittering gem was ground, And we dreamed not of a rarer! Ah! never on earth do we find the best, But it waits for us in a Land of Rest, And a perfect thing we shall never behold, Till we pass the portals of shining gold.