Poems

Paul just had to win. His heart, if not his hand, was pure from the start.

From the moment of her making us a family, And before—long, long before— It had been clear man has no human origin. Effortless for me to shed the notion Of genealogy, a tree, a line of forebears Proud of stock and famed of name.

How freely does the Arctic tern Fly southward each returning fall That it may heed Antarctic's call, Eleven thousand miles in all! And always on the spring's return The beauteous creature knows it wants To rear its young in Arctic haunts; Disdains the dangers of such jaunts. If birds fly thus without concern, Is there less hope for humankind? Shall faultless action be defined In terms of matter or of Mind?

In depth men have discovered wealth untold; Wonders of ancient empires, oil springs, gold— A precious yield. In surface soil no treasure is revealed.

What stone upon your heart brings pain or grief? Love's angel thoughts are here to give relief. Dark caves of sense would hide Christ in a tomb, Would bury him inside a rock-ribbed room.

HE drew them from their busy streets; He offered truth to make them free; Not riches, which men might prefer. The magnet that he drew them with? The power of Love, divinity Bestowed on each impartially.

Disentangle my heart from the past, Lord. Loosen my hold upon former griefs.

Let Truth be thy Comforter And, as well, thy messenger. Give or take, make joy's avowal Constant testimonial.

I John 3:3 "Even as he is pure" Listen ! Can you hear, Hear the voice, Hear it clear Here in wilderness? How hear? Hear a voice among these voices, Empty echoes chattering, Clattering in desert bone brittle, dust dry? Search! Can you see, See the center, Focal point of be— Epicenter of you, of me? How hear? How see? How tell in-turn from out-view, Discern the point of All Where all is pointless as sparrow's fall? Note the pattern, Fix on the star. Calculate infinity From where you are.

Each time I love When mortal sense would have me hate, Each time I stand When fear would have me break, Each time I give with gratitude For God's great amplitude, God's will is done— His kingdom come.