Poems

It took one peak of drying rock to land the ark. A single olive leaf was proof of risen ground, one branch enough to rest the dove.

Last night the autumn winds denuded trees whose burnished leaves had brought delight. For long I had been loath to see them go; I did not know they would expand my vision by their flight.

A quiet room, but on a busy street, a room apart, a place to go when sorrows beat upon the heart and find surcease from every human woe. But more, far more! We glimpse a glory here, behold as through an open door the path of Truth that climbs from sense to Soul.

When they were little children They often loved to go With their father down to the shore To watch, or play, or gather shells. If neighbors, calling, asked, "The children—where are they?" Serenely I could say, "They're with their father now, Doing the things they love to do.

And though not even Peter understood at first, He cleansed their clouded thought at length With words that brought the lesson home. He taught humility through Christ, Through Truth and Love, the only way By which to emulate his deeds, Thus lovingly to serve each other's needs.

The blurred faint blush of dawn upon the land; A growing radiance upon the sea— And I, once more in worship, humbly stand Praying, with bowed head, for a word from Thee. Swifter than I to sense Mind's impetus, Birds wake to flight; the waves their rhythms run— And, awe inspiring in its glorious Full strength, there looms at last the risen sun.

We pray for growth in grace. And what is grace? A special boon saved for a favored few? No, grace but measures what we know and take Of that impartial, universal Love Which calls, "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come.

But "who am I?" Thus Moses' meek protest, Reluctant to assume the task at hand. How gently reassuring Love's command: I go with thee.

When I pray— I need not implore Nor petition Him, nor plead, But only know my every need Is met and reckoned for. When I pray— My lips are often still, But, oh, my listening heart and ear Are tuned to heed and to hear The workings of His will.

Lord , give me words of gentleness That those within my reach May realize that I express Thy nature in my speech. Invest my hands with gentleness That those who need my touch May feel it carries Thy caress And says Thou lovest much.