Poems

Once, looking for God, I saw little else but my own confusions: How could I bring my many petty trials Before Truth's healing omnipresence? Were not my own strivings At best a form of compromise? No wonder both body and sense ached For more than I could deliver! I modified this so-called view of "self" With what I could see with increasing clarity Of Love's tenderest expression. At first, I carefully penned A step-by-step plan for furthering good.

Who says the strident voice cannot be turned, hostile heart not changed? Is human thought set in everlasting stone? There was a man named Saul— Who are these wretches, he wondered, who follow that strange man who had such peculiar ideas? Didn't we dispose of him over on that hill? We know what we believe and do not care to change. If a man be sick, little can we do.

Heavenly bestowed (not humanly summoned), silent, ever-stirring presence gently, firmly lifting thought to reach horizons infinite. Patient, waiting, open— we confidently witness the turning, the yielding of sense to Soul.

Is love just a word we say, and once said, we turn away— insensitive to needs of others? Love is the tender heart that cannot rest till taking part in comforting and healing our sisters and our brothers, who may not know that God is Love nor how to pray in Jesus' way to meet all human needs. that tender heart whose daily prayer, "some daily good to do to Thine, for Thee; An offering pure of Love, whereto God leadeth me,"* follows Love's lead.

Dear God, I pray that all men may discern Thy light of Truth, and in its radiance learn Their unity with ever-present good, And love in holy brotherhood. I pray that I may daily play my part In helping others see Thee as Thou art; That all my thoughts and motives be refined Till pure enough to heal mankind.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; .

To be the dove's dry land! To have humility enough to be a resting place for the descent of the Holy Ghost. To be pure and unselfed enough, yielding and obedient enough, to receive the divine power, heal under divine authority.

"Father, I was so sure You'd designated the way I must take to go forward— and now there's a terrible snake blocking my path. Please show me some other way.

Beneath a bright star shining A little child lay in the straw, Who guessed he would move mountains And reveal Christ—Truth—without flaw? Bright angels sang Hallelujah That blessed day on earth, As Mary knew, deep within her The joy of a wondrous birth. Though brief would be his sojourn, And his manner mild and meek, His words will last and heal forever, With such wisdom did he speak Of redemption, love, and glory, Of life, never ever to cease; For all mankind, his coming, For all, the assurance of peace.

He answered me before I called or knew there would be need, His angels waiting to be heard at heart's consent to heed. Remember, self, and never doubt the answer always there before the question or the cry becomes unspoken prayer.