Poems

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. "— Isaiah 43:1.

I listened to the birds, the boundless sea's roar, the dripping of the patient trees, and all things moving in the fields and on the motionless hills, but found no benison. For in my heart were sore unquiet tears, unbridled wishes, self-consuming fears, the subtle spears of too persuasive sin: how could I find out peace—and these within? And then Love's voice outdid that selfish din: "Where shouldst thou look but in the infinite Mind? thy peace and poise are here; wilt thou be blind? O man, I loved thee before these things were, and gave thee all —and thou didst but defer the abundant blessing, and shut tight thine eyes, nor saw the sun of My compassion rise, beheld no moon of My great tenderness, no stars of Spirit built by me to bless, no hills of grandeur in My countryside, no rocks of thought that in My hills abide.

O prophet rise, and gather up your mantle! This is no time to sit in dumb despair. O psalmist, take your instrument of music And let the songs of Zion fill the air! Accept the challenge of the desolation Of human need that crieth everywhere.

This day is given you to prove the ever-present God of love is near; He is a constant aid to all who call upon His name; such shall not quake nor be afraid, whatever may be error's claim. This day is given you to know that Mind shall guide you as you go about your Father's work and will, in joyous strength and surety, to quell the lie, with "Peace, be still," forearmed with truth and purity.

Still the light is shining On the heavenly way; Still the star is leading To Love's glorious day. Truth's clear call keeps ringing To each longing age; Still the Christ is waiting For shepherd and for sage, Far from pomp and grandeur, Born anew, apart, In the lowly manger Of the humble heart.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who know Their need of more enlightenment, who guard Their thought, reflecting only Truth's bright glow, High heaven their exceeding great reward! Blessed are they that mourn, repent with tears, For yea, they shall be comforted, upborne, And made to greet with joy forthcoming years; And comforted, shall comfort them that mourn. Blessed are the meek, the tranquil-hearted, they Accepting but not grasping things of worth, Unfolding in the sunshine of God's day, Demanding nought, inheritors of the earth! Blessed are they who long for righteousness, Hunger and thirst for truth, for God has willed Such prayer shall answered be; yea, God shall bless, Ordained by infinite power they shall be filled.

He who tempers the wind To the shorn sheep Will guard you, And guide you, And lead your brave feet Over the rough ways of the world, Over crag, over stone; Up through the clouds, Through the mist, And the winds and the cold; On to the glorified height To the foot of His throne. And thus you may know That He sees you, And needs you, And loves you, And calls you His own.

When mortal sense would cause our feet to stray, And blind our eyes to all that's good and free, Lead Thou our steps away from error's sway, And, through Thy spirit, make our eyes to see. Under the shadow of Thy covering wing We are secure from pestilence and pain.

I feel Love's presence as I pray And wisdom talks with me today; I listen to the "still small voice," And as I listen I rejoice, For eyes can see—that once were blind— The perfect work of perfect Mind.

We hear it speak within through every hour, Declaring Truth's unconquerable power, The words that still all struggling and all strife— God is our Life. It banishes all loneliness and pain, Declares Love's perfect, infinite domain, Reiterates with joy the truth most sweet— Man is complete.