Poems

Despite all prejudice, defeat, despair, self-abandonment, forgotten care, in spite of every storm and snare of sense— even the very least approximates a full one-millionth part of excellence— enough to shatter every bolted door, enough to triumph now and evermore. Then how much greater joy when we are told in many untold ways and unmistakably: You are you.

Invited to the feast each day, some guests may still be hesitant. "It's hard to understand.

It's communion time— My favorite time— A common-ground level, With no one above another. Thoughts touch in ripstop stillness, And the grace-grade is high.

In closet of thought, reading by morning light.

There's something in you that never strikes back, that lets you bend under the blow and come gently upright; something in you that draws out laughter here within earshot of complaint; something that's letting sweetness through the shadow of sarcasm; something in you whose grace is tact in the face of spite; something that doesn't end.

May the dove of Science be heard in my land. May I heed the heavenly singing and open my window—take in hand the healing of its winging.

From distant lands, traveling by different routes, impelled by diverse needs and circumstances, we, who have reached this central core of clarity, this Science of Christ, are joined together in the greatest of all causes: to heal the world. If we have learned enough to care (having ourselves been healed, redeemed, and blessed abundantly), to give the cup, to break the bread, to bind the open wound, to share the Comforter, to heal, our strength is formidable.

They urged me not to go Seeing how much worse I'd grown And all that I had lost. They said there was no hope Only danger in pursuing What to them seemed distant dreams Of being whole.

Should howling winds of jealousy or hate rake the fragile craft of mortal sense, or in some dreadful hour towering waves of fear threaten to swamp sailor and ship, turn, oh, turn your fascinated gaze from storm's display! Remember our Lord, at peace upon faith's pillow, sleeping. Consider then the Master's lesson to the mariners: no sermon preached nor wry psychology, but clear proof the Principle of man gives to us dominion over storms within, without.

What sort of presents were you hoping to get? Nice ones, of course (everyone likes gifting) What sort of presents were you planning to give? Good ones, naturally and not just seasonally But maybe, just maybe it's time to receive a gift of an entirely different sort— presents giving place to presence? Loving presence Infinite presence Faithful presence Ever-presence Something you can feel and hold on to but nothing under wraps no paper or ribbon to conceal it something of value inestimable bestowed by the great Giver: the Christ expressed And once we've received it this God gift of love is it something we dare to share? The cost is dear, priceless in fact It may mean less wrapping and shopping and rushing It may mean more manger-quiet appreciation of our God, ourselves, our brother and sister It may mean that giving is also forgiving It may mean that caring is also forbearing Don't miss out: this year give more than you ever gave before. The world really needs your Christmas presence.