Poems

After so long, so long in my tight prison, with my familiar shackles heavy on head and heart; after so long, so long, suddenly I see the bars with the eyes God gave me, touch the chains with the hand God made me, and suddenly, suddenly (Oh, but my heart flies out of the dream like a singing bird!) suddenly I am free. Virginia Thesiger.

I felt the world weeping today, dear God. I felt the world weeping.

So often I had proudly said, "I love my neighbor," (remembering the healing thoughts I'd fed to friends in need, the honor shown to parents, the kindness shown to strangers, the unselfed sacrifices in my day). But this was not enough, and in its quiet, heartfelt way the Christly message came: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

For vision of parenthood as inspired adventure, For wisdom to map out the happy way, For willingness to learn from each condition, O Father-Mother Love we pray. Madora Holt.

Mind's qualities must count always, Not youth nor age of mortal man. A spiritual animus must raise One's thought beyond mere human span Of years, of skills, experience too.

The earth was made to be inhabited; Yet, with populace exploding much, multitudes are hungry, lack the touch of human kindness—innocents in want, despairing and unloved, face the gaunt specter of lack. We can challenge this, but only one can reach them with the bliss of plenitude in everything—the tryst kept by rich compassion of the Christ that spake by Jesus in a desert place, and speaks again to every creed and race: "They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

Take time to be silent, time to reflect; meditate. Practice listening; be attuned to the sound of His angels.

Among the rocks, God nurtures holy seed! Within the creviced universe He cradles tenderly Each tiny one In good. Growth would Unfold, bright-spun, His petaled artistry.

With joy you saw it all— the water turned to wine, five thousand fed; the man, sick of the palsy, rise and walk; the one who touched your robe, made whole, your joy flower in Mary's eyes when she saw you, Lord— alive! Rejoicing too, your follower shall go into the city now, inspired, Master, by your works; share this Truth, sufficient still to feed thousands more, aware of Love's right action where lack of order seems to be: sure Love's touch is being felt every faith-winged moment on every crowded street. So, among city stones, where no flower likely grows, we faithful, Master, come to see signs of that joy you've left with us— growing! Jane R.

Noah "found grace. " Noah listened and did as he was told: Make an ark! The heavier the rain, the higher, the higher rose the ark.