Contentment

On placid lake and mountain trail I sought
Contentment's quiet ways, but yearning thought
Was not appeased by aimless wandering.
I loved earth's promise, but some nameless thing
Robbed me of joy and peace. I walked beside
The ocean's blue expanse. How like the tide
My vagrant thoughts had been! "Dear God," I prayed,
"Thy will be done," and listened, unafraid.
At first no sound was heard save rhythmic roar
Of restless waves against the rock-strewn shore.
Then to my ear came precious words, so pure
No clamorous wave could drown, nor mist obscure:
"Seek not content in solitude's embrace,
In My glad harvest find thy rightful place."
The west wind whispered it; in sterner tone
The rocks re-echoed His command. Alone
In that alchemic hour, reverently,
My heart gave thanks and sang beside the sea.
Yet not alone; when shackled thought was free
A multitude of angels walked with me.
The futile quest, the empty years, were done;
Fulfillment and sincere desire were one.
From out dissolving night, to heal and bless,
Emerged the portal of Truth's loveliness.
Gently I knocked, and though the hour was late,
Contentment met me at the opened gate.