Poems

Cascading waters filled the gorge, And shadowy dawn still wrapped its edge, When first I saw a slender girl Kneeling on the rocky ledge. She held a graceful earthen jar And watched the plunging waters skim Its sides, then spiral through the mouth And fill it, bubbling, to the brim.

White wings of inspiration led me high Where Mind reveals infinity's all-power Unfolding secrets of the healing Christ, Of perfect law that governs every hour. White wings of inspiration held me high Above the idols known to humankind And subtle dualism's claim to more Than one inclusive, omnipresent Mind.

Walk the straight way of Truth! Free from beliefs of fear, self-will, and pride, Joy and dominion know, and as you go Your strength in Spirit find, ideas of Mind, Companions bright, and Love the gentle guide.

There was a bounty at Zarephath Hidden from the world. The widow had only a little meal in a barrel, A little oil in a cruse.

" The Lord is in this place; And I knew it not. " In the very midst of doubt and fear When pain and death boldly vaunted their mockeries I heard His voice, felt His presence gently wrap me round; Thus, in weakness, His strength I found, And rising quickly from my couch of pain, Newborn, I humbly praised His name.

When mortal thought would turn us from the path And close our eyes to what is good and true, Protect our steps and do not let us stray, And through Thy love help us to hold the view. Beneath the shadow of Thy outstretched wing How safe we dwell from noisome pestilence! The arrow that doth fly cannot attack, Nor make us doubt our God's omnipotence.

Beauty for ashes is given them that mourn. The oil of joy and garments knit with praise Replace the heaviness which they have worn; As trees of righteousness they spend their days.

The children asked, "What is unceasing prayer? What did Paul mean in Thessalonians, 'Pray without ceasing'? How can we do that? And when we pray," they pressed, as children will, Not giving one a chance at explanation Till they've poured out all that troubles them In one great urgent question .

I wanted words whose joyous tones could spell the wondrous, saving truth I wished to tell, majestic words that like the ocean's song forever softening harsher sounds are strong and beautiful. In earth and sky and sea I tested symbols, tasted imagery.

O rising star, thy penetrating beam Has pierced the dark of error's long, long night And roused mankind forever from his dream To walk the way illumined by thy light, Light which reveals creation's primal glory And man, God's own beloved child, Untouched by error's misty, shadowed story, Perfect, pure, complete, and undefiled!