Poems

As on the shores of Galilee Christ led the multitude Through seeing Spirit's substance where The humble symbols stood, Just so, upon our shores of time Clan we with Christly art Share of our smallest nucleus To satisfy the heart.

" Thy gentleness hath made me great. " What depths of tenderness and power— Reserve of strength, resource divine— To draw upon each passing hour! Controlled and disciplined by Love, Whose greatness is to heal and bless, How truly strong are they who prove The Spirit's power in gentleness! Obedient, unafraid, I pass Beneath the Shepherd's tender rod; I know that I can love and trust The gentleness and power of God.

Perhaps we cannot choose the path, The certain, safe direction; But faith and hope, deep-rooted, leave The choice to Love's selection. With joy we pause in gratitude For that unerring vision, Our motives purged of self and will— For Love makes the decision!

Under the late and drifted snow the swollen bulbs are breaking, Fine roots are thrusting, deep and firm and true; Hues of the rainbow in the dark are making. Green spears are marshaled for the great break-through.

Through valley, over hill, and up the steep Ascent, Love guides us step by step. Our feet, So often bruised until we learned to wear The sandals of enlightenment, now bear The heat of day, the chill of night, and meet With courage darkling shadows on the way.

He heard the hymn they were singing Ring out through the winter dusk. And he made a vow that moment To leave the prodigal's husk.

So buffeted by mortal mind, Can this frail craft safe harbor find? So dark the night, so loud the gale, Can any power now prevail? Lilt up your eyes! Across the sea The Christ, the Truth, comes speedily. Go forward! Do not fear the waves.

"How strange," he well might say if he were here, "They seem not to remember what I taught, Nor that I came to free them from their fear. Was my earth journey then so much for nought?" Would he believe they could so far have strayed From all his heart poured forth in Galilee? For men still seem in bondage, though he prayed So long ago they might be lifted, free.

" Let not your heart be troubled" Was the Saviour's tender plea, And those words, so gently spoken, Can be heard eternally. When the clouds of darkness gathering Would obscure our onward way, Let us pause and hear the message Christ would speak to us today.

He told us we should winter there in Crete. Had we obeyed, we would have saved the ship.