© LAURA MCKENZIE WATERS/MOMENT/GETTY IMAGES. DAYTON, OHIO, USA.
“No loss! No loss!” the angel cried,
“The gates of heaven are open wide,
And pouring blessings on mankind
Which sever fleshly ties.
“Look up! Look up! Stop looking down!
Our Master made earth-thorns a crown—
His cry aloud through time resounds
To sever fleshly ties.
“Cling not! Cling not to clothes outgrown!
Though winds around you howl and moan
And hearts you loved now turn to stone—
Let go your fleshly ties.”
For Him, we’ll cast off staff and rod
Formed from matter, dust, and sod,
And with our whole heart lean on God,
Whose ties are all divine.
—Ben Frederick
