Poems

In the midst of the fear a song—quiet at first but silver-clear— in the midst of the fear. He had promised His song would be with me at night! And now in the midst of the fear this silver sound.

may mortality's self-obsessed existence like the dance of fitful firefly flickering in, and inevitably out (illumining no larger landscape beyond itself) give immediate permanent place to God-conscious LIVING— the constant glow of His undimmable knowing thrown upon our lives lightening dark shadows revealing His heavenscape already and forever here! DIANE M. DICKSON KENYON.

Unfailing Love shines forth in countless ways, As many ways as there are human needs: In new-found inspiration when one prays; An understanding friend's unselfish deeds; In a church usher's smile and welcoming word; Or child's inspired response in Sunday School; In glimpse of man—God's likeness, clear, unblurred— As Jesus saw him at Bethesda's pool; In peace of mind found at a Reading Room; A strong, convincing testimony shared; In needed light received when shadows loom; Or hope and healing gained when one despaired. Love finds expression in such varied ways— Can we help giving thanks in grateful praise? JOSEPH W.

there's just one error: a lie about you, words Love never said, things Life never gave— like hurt, pain, fear, hate, sick here, don't-feel-good there, I wish, I want, I'm-afraid-I-won't— words painted on a balloon that blows itself up the bigger, the worse, until truth appears like a tiny pin, then you take it up and the pin is a sword, you pierce the balloon and the bad words are gone, then the sword is aflame with warm, strong good that says Life is Love and you feel loved— the lie never was and you are free. CARL J.

Petals? Just some flowery phrasing I said (with a grin toward my own phrasing) until I gave thought. Like arms of love that shield and steady until we are ready to show dominion, so petals are understood in unfoldment as blossom appearing.

indiscriminate as summer rain, blessing all who come within the circle of our thought. Let love be not like a dole bestowed on some in meager portions, but let it rather flow as freely as the rising tide.

They came to frame a truthful man with blasphemous insurrection. With hypocritical mask torn from faceless question, they listened.

That's enough! No more recrimination. No more I should have, I shouldn't have, Why did I or If only.

There is no fear here, Because God is here. There is no fear there, Because God is there.

Good symbols have their place. They are an aid to grasping God's ideas.