How Can I Love Thee As I Ought? Poem by Paida Mudzamba

HOW CAN I LOVE THEE AS I OUGHT?

The love I have, my Lord, for Thee
Is only a shadow of Your love for me.
O my God, my Lord!
How can I love You as I ought?

Were I the ray of LOVE
And You the flower, O my LOVE
I'd shine eternally on Thee.
But my love for You is just a shadow of Your LOVE for me.
Were I the shepherd and You the sheep
I'd hold You in my arms till You sleep,
I'd hold You closely to my heart,
But you O Lord loved me from the start.

Were You the hot and parched earth, dear Love and I the sky,
I'd open my heavens and let out torrents of rain and you'd be no more dry.
But I still thirst for You.
Your love is like morning dew
O Jesus I wish to love Thee.
But my love isn't even a drop in the ocean to love You as You love me.

Were I as bright as the even' star
And You a shepherd at night playing on His lure,
I'd shine and leave Your soul lifting
And Your heart with joy and adoration beating.
But each time I gaze at the starry night
I see Your love, so bright - Oh my darling King so bright.

Were I like a lamp of heaven.
And You a Traveller on a journey to the land of Rosen
I'd show You Your place with all my love and grace
And you in faith and trust, look up at my face.
But I always dream
Of Your love in moonlight gleam.

O Jesus, O sweet Jesus I love Thee!
And Your love makes You everything in love;
And what You are most truly intended to be...

© 1998 Paida Mudzamba