Martha, Martha, why do you stay
With the cumbering cares of a mortal day?
Awake and behold yourself Love's pure reflection;
Like Mary, feast upon Spirit's perfection.
One thing is needful in the holy hour—
The instant response to Love's quickening power,
The glad willing yielding, the clear inner sight.
All else will follow as noonday the night.
Be quiet, then, Martha. Be still and rejoice;
The world and its clamor no longer your choice;
A new sense of serving, of comfort's true art,
Wells up from the presence of love in your heart.
