Poems

Sweet are the uses of our sorrows when, Facing at length the sheer futility Of mortal yearning for the unattained, We turn to God's dear promises and rest— As babe with head upon the mother's breast. And blest shall we be when all the buffeting (Spindrift of hate and sting of homeless wrath Lashing at wings downbent to fancied goal) Drives us to soar, ceasing our earthward quest— A wind-blown bird returning to the nest.

The Rock on which I build Is Love Immovable. Rains descend.

Bright and luminous the cloud Overshadowing your head, Clear the voice that speaks aloud, Comforting the few words said. Cherish silence, wait upon Listening's own interim: "This is my beloved Son"; Oh, be still and "hear ye him.

The chastisements of Mind are merciful, Regenerative, kind—like tender hands Stretched forth to save and heal. The changeable, Incontinent desires of sin-ruled lands, All wrapped in winter dreams of loneliness, Shall melt away beneath the purging rays Of Love's warm light.

Does the rose know how many are blessed by its being or question who shares in bestowal so gifted? Like fragrance diffused is the essence of loving, and counts not, nor can count, the hearts that are lifted.

It was a little town where he was born, Our Bethlehem. The good and simple folk who followed him.

How were the loaves and fishes multiplied? Who gave the cruse of oil replenishment? From what rich storage was the manna sent, With which the tribes of Moses were supplied? Whence came the columned smoke and flame to guide? Why were the hungry lions impotent? Who gave the shepherd boy encouragement To prove the weakness of Goliath's pride? These were the fruits of God, creative Mind, The one and perfect cause or noumenon, Who with unchanging substance outlines good; Whose just, unerring law, when understood, Provides, directs, protects, and spells the dawn Of Spirit's winged conception, unconfined.

The action of the Lord encompasses Creation, restful, gracious, calm, complete; No opposition or encumbrances Withstand Mind's movement, with its freedom sweet. God's Word requires no human strength to bear Its living message on its changeless path Of healing: He knows boundless ways to share His truth and brooks no counterforce of wrath.

Fret not thyself. Thus does the Psalmist sing To calm the thought which envy's barb might sting When men appear to prosper and to thrive Through methods only worldlings could contrive.

Keener than shaft of light That penetrates the darkness; Softer than butterfly's wing That brushes petaled flower; Surer than eagle's flight On wing to its rock-bound aerie; Love brings the grace of God To heal in the suffering hour; To meet the human need With His omniscient power.