Alone I seemed, the world a barren waste
Of sunless hours stretching into the years
Of ceaseless struggle and unfruitful haste,
With harvests of discouragement and tears.
Unlatched, the door swung open, discord sought
To blot out joy, when softly a still voice:
Is this the faith the blessed Leader taught?
Oh, how unworthy! Trust Love, and rejoice.
From mists of error now I looked away,
Found courage to affirm unflinchingly:
It is not true; I still know how to pray.
None are alone; my Father is with me.
No further prayer, for peace enfolded all,
Peace of His presence, underneath, above.
"Yea, I have loved thee"—often I recall
The message—"with an everlasting love."
O holy touch! O benediction sweet!
That healed my burdened thinking of its fear.
And since that night—oh, I have proved it well—
If I but turn from sense, I find Thee here.
*Miscellaneous Writings, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 306.
