Poems

Elijah and Elisha, on their way To cross the Jordan at the Lord's command, Passed through successive towns but did not stay Their feet. Then fifty watchers took their stand As these two reached the river.

They who stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion. having the Father's name written in their foreheads, sing a new song.

Here peace and quietness of thought are found. The readings set the spiritual tone.

Carry us up on mighty wingspread of Science, Beyond where the eagle rides the wind And the skylark is lost in light. Heal us so that we tender no demands, But, claiming freedom, help mankind spring free, Free and light in the joy of their progressing, Safe and sure in the grandeur of the Word.

"Greater works .

No wonder hearts began to burn, smarting first, then chastened, finally chaste as lamp in hand this stranger led us down through Scripture to the very gate of Emmaus. Then all at once, to gain the point as if by loss, farewell! and into the dusk he started away—silently coaxing us to coax him not to part.

Ephphatha! Oh, be opened! Dull ears and blinded eyes, Just listen and perceive! All that is true and wise Waits that you may receive Into your heart and mind The bounty of God's mercy, Compassionate and kind. There is no past or future But, thick upon the bough, Leaves of the tree of Life Invite you, here and now.

"And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book" ( Isa. 29:18 ) Alert, let me wait by this fountain, this gate open to feed a whole world's needs with that pure Word whispered and heard in the beginning.

The stone we use for building Is the truth we know, Cemented with the love we have to share. Around us lies the rubble Left by ignorance and fear, And tottering walls of modern idols.

Sometimes the city's frantic bustle takes on a poignancy; the people seem to pass and pass untouched by hints of love. Perhaps I feel a listless twinge of saddened sympathy.