Poems

Father, when morning sunshine greets my eyes, I would remember that Christ is my light, And in the joy of that uplifting thought I would perform each duty. Would I might Reflect Truth only, throughout all the day, Radiate Love wherever I may go, Bringing each thought in glad captivity To Thee.

From woes of sense I turn away— From sickness, lack, and fear; Now love and gratitude replace That futile load, while dear And pleasant grow my fruitful days, For God is here. Now dwelling in His secret place— The shadow of His wings— I find my fortress and my strength, The peace His presence brings.

"Whosoever layeth his earthly all on the altar of divine Science, drinketh of Christ's cup now, and is endued with the spirit and power of Christian healing. "—Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, page 55.

Not in vast concourses where men foregather, And human plans and policies increase, But in deep silences, when God is speaking, Is found the way of peace. Not in tumultuous shoutings, foolish boastings Of peoples madly selfish for their own, But in still places where the meek are praying, The white dove, peace, is known.

A STORM swept over the troubled thought Of one who was sick, and filled with fear. "There is something stronger than Life," it said, "And that is coming, and very near.

If thou wouldst have the love thy empty heart Is crying out for, as one cries for bread, Then strew love joyously along the path, Daily and hourly, where thy feet may tread. It will take root and blossom forth again To shed its fragrance all along the way, Sending its perfume into hearts where pain And doubt and fear may seemingly hold sway.

ALONE, like Lazarus of old, alone Within the tomb of earthly hopes we lie; Immobile there, now shines for us no sun, Nor stars in splendor crown the evening sky. The graveclothes of materiality Bind fast our faith, obscure our vision free; But suddenly a shaft of light pervades The silent darkness drear, For Science rolls away the stone That seals our prison—clear We hear its calm, firm summons to come forth And loose our craven fear: Come forth to life undimmed, to joy-filled days, To peace that stills again, So tenderly, in Love-exalted ways, The restless clamor in the hearts of men; Come forth to serve, in glad humility, And find in evil no reality, To know that Truth revealed all need supplies— Oh, longing, modern Lazarus, arise!

O BLESSED place, where I may go apart And rest awhile within a peace divine, Unloose the heavy chain about my heart And drink anew of Love's inspiring wine— The consciousness, where from God's table spread The bread of Life my hungering thought doth fill; Whence I, Love's unction poured upon my head, Fare forth refreshed to do His holy will!

IN lone Gethsemane, they say, one watched While others slept, and told of what he saw: And so we have the Gospel tale today. It was dark that night, and the olive trees seemed bent Almost to touch the ground.

Have confidence! In Truth there is no power Save that which comes from God. It burns within Each loving heart to glorify the hour, By bringing hope where hopelessness has been.