Poems

No lasting peace is ever found without As long as any tumult stirs within. The slightest residue of fear and doubt Can mar the quietude that we would win.

"But speak the word; my servant shall be healed," Came the centurion's message to Jesus on his way. A man in authority with understanding faith, None like it in the whole of Israel! "But speak the word"—no need was there to go, No need for further declaration of the truth.

"I went out after him," said David. A lion and a bear, and now Goliath! He wasn't sent to kill Goliath first.

When Jacob wrestled till the break of day, It was his earthy self that was assailed: It was his heavenly selfhood that prevailed. When through his darkness broke the morning ray, Jacob beheld the spirit where the clay Was thought to be—and Esau's anger paled.

Though the leaves be full, If the heart be bare Of loving pulse No joy is there. Though the gardens glow With blooms of gold, Eyes filled with self Cannot behold.

In the way of Mind's unfolding As its treasures come to light, So they bring to our perception Radiant beauty—wondrous might. Science opens wide this vision To the student's eager gaze, Lights the torch of inspiration Guiding into wisdom's ways.

Beautiful gate, swung wide in welcome, Barring no stranger, open for all, Offering to everyone peace-filled asylum, Rest for the weary ones, ease from the gall Yoke-worn by burdens needlessly carried; Here at thy portal we now let these fall. Beautiful gate, too long had we tarried, Stopped by the baggage we're fearful to lose, Standing without, hoping still that in matter Ease might be found and the peace we would choose.

" And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch," And it was winter. Was it the calendar's winter or the heart's? Was it just that summer's warmth had been withdrawn, That the golden blessing of the sun had ceased to shine Upon them? Was it just that the sedge had withered from the lake And no birds sang? The Jews had asked him: If thou be the Christ, Tell us plainly.

With courage born of deep humility you came to Simon's house, Where Jesus, as the honored guest, reclined upon a couch Partaking of meat with Simon and his friends. You must have known how stern and rigid was the law With women of your kind; That none dared seek admittance to such a noble place.

How can I turn to Love and pray for needs, outlined, exact? Have I not learned man's need is spiritual? But rather may I ask all-knowing Mind, "What is it that I need?" An angel thought reminding me of patience, grace, Is as before, in answer to my prayer. Are motives pure? Is self held back, that service may be first In faithful, fearless ways? For true it is, the need For human self to be evangelized, and freed.