"I will arise," this said the foolish one,
He who, through hardship, learned humility.
"I will return now to my father's house
And end this season of futility."
His father saw him while a great way off,
Prepared a feast, new garments, and a ring,
And met him joyfully upon the road
With loving arms outstretched and welcoming.
So we are met by Love. In bitterness
Or sorrow, though we may have greatly erred,
We need but lift our eyes to higher things,
To pray sincerely, and this prayer is heard.
No condemnation for the sin renounced,
No guilty tears, no burden of despair,
When we, arising, seek the Father's house
And find that joy alone awaits us there.
