Poems

With timid feet up to the vineyard gate I walked. "I am so young," I thought, "so new In this great work.

And Jesus wept. No tears of helpless sorrow welled from that healing love, so deep, so full, but warm compassionate tears; he knew no narrow confines of death, but only all was well.

There is slight lifting toward freedom's goal Until humility has reached the stars And brought the heart strong rays of willingness To cast out darkened thought which binds or mars. There is poor lifting up or fruitful peace Until exalted mortal self bows low Before true selfhood, one with Life and Love, Where mortal self is not and cannot go.

The morning meal Was cleared away. Warmed and comforted They sat, Waiting for him to speak.

Sermons in which God's allness is made known, His absoluteness is set forth, made clear, Which have no hint of other deities— These are the truth itself that casts out fear, That utterly destroys sin and its woe, That frees from ignorance, from every thrall. Go, Christian Scientists, and preach the Word, The glorious truth that God is One and All!

Come unto me, the blessed Master said To those who mourn. Ye shall be comforted.

No fit baptismal, John knew, Were Jordan's muddy waters For that one, the latchet of whose shoe, He felt, he was not worthy to touch. But Jesus, through this very meekness, Submission to earth's highest present concept, Perceived the true baptismal substance.

"Thou crownest the year with thy goodness," O Lord, May we in our living keep thought in accord With all that is holy, that we may possess The good that is ours through Spirit's largess. May we remain confident, free from all fear, Knowing that good is Thy gift for the year.

" How readest thou?" With understanding clear, With strength as you go forward in the fight To gain the well-sought victory of right And cast out fear? Or do you read the empty word, the creed, The form, the outer shell that has no power To meet the needs of this important hour? Where is the deed? If while you read, upheld by Love's strong rod, You listen for the meaning of the Word, Truth will reveal itself; lo, you have heard! You read with God. Thus shall you gather, sow, yes, here and now, And build your temple on foundation sure To help mankind be whole and free and pure.

Picture the scene upon that distant day: The stern, superior doctors of the law, The grim, accusing, jeering Pharisees, The people gathered in the synagogue To hear the explanation of the Word, And in their midst the gentle Nazarene! How deep the temple's silence must have been As the young Prophet spoke. "Stretch forth thy hand," he said expectantly, And, lo, the man whose hand hung by his side Withered and useless Heard that firm command, Obeyed that ringing voice.