P s 3509 P }^J^ Threads for the Soul^ Garment Isabella K. Eldert Class P S^-St)^ _ Copyright N^ /9m COPYRIGHT DEPOSHi THREADS FOR THE SOUL'S GARMENT ISABELLA K. ELDERT With loving thought of those ivho have entered "the place of light and refreshment.'' RICHARD G. BADGER THE GORHAM PRESS BOSTON Copyright, 1912, by Isabella K. Eldert All Rights Reserved X:^ -' The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. a. ©CI.A328190 CONTENTS Page The Snowdrops' Song 9 What God is Like Unto lO The Passing of the Shadow 1 1 "The Whole Creation Groaneth" 12 Result 13 Opportunity 14 The Birdie's Love-Song 16 Ascension Lilies 17 Trust 18 The Soul's Mask 19 The Christ-Tide 20 Christmas Morn 21 Whisperings 22 Now 23 To Victory's Heights 24 Thou Shalt be Comforted 25 The Aftermath Cometh 26 The Other Side 27 3 CONTENTS Page Clouds 28 Thought 30 "Sorroiuful, Yet Ahvay Rejoicing" 31 Thy Cross 33 The Dirge of the Old Year 34 To Waters Still aiid Pastures Green 35 His Soul 36 Life's Threads 37 JVhen Days Are Dark 38 Mary, the Mother of Our Lord 40 Hoiv Shall They Face the World 42 Love's Vision 44 ''Peace at the Last" 45 Resurrection-Links 46 De Profundis 47 When You and 1 49 The Vision of the Stars 50 From Earth to Heaven 53 Recompense 54 When Sorroiu Comes 55 THREADS FOR THE SOUL'S GARMENT God touched a soul that long had dormant lain. And straightway it awoke to consciousness Of all its poverty J its nakedness. Its ivant. In solemn silence vision came Of life arrayed as life might be, and swift Was born the knowledge that within it lay Large possibilities of raiment fresh And beautiful. Re-vitalized, intent Upon its work, it rose and into space Projected far seven strong foundation-lines: First love and next obedience, faith nearby. Calm fortitude, contentment, joy and peace, — Each perfect of its kind but all too frail T' endure the daily strain of earth-desires Without the spirit's aid. Released from bondage sore It wove the garment for the soul to wear By drawing from the heart of every wound. Each thing that pleased (e'en love of sky and trees. The birds and flowers, the babbling brook Or ocean deep) an essence which it changed Into fair glistening threads, and wove each one Around and in and out those soul-laid lines. Abreast the swelling bosom of thought-waves, Within the caves beneath heart's surface hid The spirit found amid debris great pearls Most lustrous-white when woven into place. Where tear-drops fell (as sometimes it must be) There God flashed sunlight, and like diamonds They shone, while softly over warp and woof He threw a great protecting power like veil Of rainbow hue. Oh J soul that never dies Thus clothed! Oh spirit blest, absorbing God! Heaven would not part ye, earth cannot, and thus Forever one, salvation ye attain. In 77iidst of discord, shedding peace; in midst Of suffering giving of your best; in midst Of trials standing firm, pass on to bliss! Amen. THE SNOWDROPS' SONG We're never unhappy, we Snowdrops, for lo! E'en under the sod we are growing, we know. So when dark are the days, most wintry the weather, We just cuddle down close and whisper together, "It's all right as it is, 'till with its warm glow, Love opens the way, and we rise thro' the snow." WHAT GOD IS LIKE UNTO What God is like unto? Ah, this I ne'er can tell Whilst in its mortal covering my soul on earth doth dwell ; But when, its bonds all sunder'd, my soul shall swiftly rise In joyful, rapturous gladness triumphant toward the skies. Each earthly shackle broken, my own, true self new-born, Clothed in immortal garments by souls redeemed worn. All avenues of Knowledge thrown open to me, wide, — Then shall I see my Lord, my God, and so be satis- fied. Id THE PASSING OF THE SHADOW The doves are at the window with their token of release, While husb as winter moonlight breathes a message full of peace. From hands of God's own angels mercies fall and pave the way For the passing on of shadow and the entrance of the day. XI "THE WHOLE CREATION GROANETH" Heart of the universe of God, dost groan 'Neath sighs and tears and sobs of sin-stained men? Dost struggle under barriers made? Dost free Thyself by sudden wrench and wield abroad Calamity and death? Oh, tell me then! Were heav'n again on earth would'st thou be less Severe? Would'st travail less? And sweetly smile Where now thou bringest pain, its measurement Man's capability to learn? Would'st give But gentle touch where now tornadoes blow? In place of thunder, would men hear the word Wafted by breeze? Oh, tell me. Heart encased Within this universe of old! Were we To do heav'n's will, heal hearts of brother-men, Were peace to reign supreme, would'st thou be more Of God and less of pain? Strange secrets lurk Within thy bosom deep. Methinks I hear The answer whispered soft: "In every breath I draw, I gather in the atmosphere Of man — God's agent placed upon the earth To bring forth all of good. Thy lesson learn, — Man's primal power wield, and waves will still." 12 RESULT My life-work it lay 'mid the souls of weak men And I said to myself time oft and again, **Can I do it so bravely, so wisely and well That of God's loving kindness it surely will tell? Can I teach them the way to do ever the right Though bitter the struggle, most weary the fight? Can I, so imperfect, unerringly lead? So often soul-hungered, other wayfarers feed?" Through the shadows of doubt a Voice came unto me, "Child, tremble not, fear not — 'tis sufficient for thee To feel that God gave thee thy life-work on earth, That in heaven lies its goal and in heaven was its birth. Thou'rt responsible held but responsive thou art And the Lord of the harvest will do well His part In sustaining thy strength, so rejoice and to-day. Asking not the result, when He calls thee, obey." 13 OPPORTUNITY A New Year's Greeting Did some one tell thee through the land There came a firm yet gracious hand To furnish weakened souls with cheer, From hearts bowed down to banish fear — Thou'dst greet this glad, this happy year. Did some one tell thee that when days Would seem the darkest, then the rays Of hope would burst upon thy sight, That thenceforth thou would'st walk in light- Thou'dst greet this glad, this happy year. Did some one tell thee that when most Thou neededst comfort, then a host Of angels pure on thee would shower Hope, love and peace — a heavenly dower — Thou'dst greet this glad, this happy year. Did some one tell thee that sweet joy Would soon be thine, thou would'st employ Thy moments well and sing thy praise For all the happy, God-giv'n days Of this most glad, most happy year. H Would'st know all this? Then, this thing more: Before thee stands an open door; Within the room beyond it seen Thou'lt find what else had never been To make 'thee glad this happy year. Some opportunity to bless, Some load to lift, some wrong suppress. Echo with deed each duty call, So in Christ's name to thee and all Shall be a glad, a happy year. 15 THE BIRDIES' LOVE-SONG Hear the twittering of the song-bird As he flies from bough to bough; Hear him calling to his nest-mate, "Sweetheart, sw^eetheart, tell me how Love did bind us, love did teach us How to live, dear. Sweetheart, how?" And the birdie in that home-nest Answers thus with tender coo: "Sweetheart, dear heart, one can never Put in words all love will do. Cease your flying, come and kiss me — Sweetheart, dear heart, I love you." i6 ASCENSION LILIES From out the thickest, blackest mud the fair white lilies rise; E'en so while in the world they stay may souls draw near the skies, Lift faces pure and sweet to heaven, tread softly and abide The coming of the day foretold by heart's ascen- sion-tide. 17 TRUST Pure trust? Most mortals know it not — That trust which feeleth ne'er a blot Of doubt on what the other doth. Such thing as mortal men call trust Doth give the lie, doth turn to dust The thread of truth, defiles the troth 'Twixt man and man, 'twixt heart and heart Doth reckon in a worldly mart How much t'expect, how much to give. In lieu of knowledge cometh fear; In lieu of heartsease groweth care Until we scarce w^ould wish to live. That other trust? Ah! Well some know The power it wields to make them grow Anear to God — to make them rise From out the midst of choking care. From hell beneath until they dare Aspire to reach the highest skies. Sweet realms of peace. Forever sure Come weal come woe, trust doth endure 'Twixt them and God and hearts they love, All doubt, all untrue thought they sink. And weave a chain whose ev'ry link Is fastened close and clinched above. Such trust is clad In garments white; Wears jewels seen in darkest night; Its heart pure gold. Its steps all true. Its song the same — the old yet new. i8 THE SOUL'S MASK Smiling face and aching heart, Peals of laughter, then pain's dart Piercing through our very soul — For the falseness, toll, bell, toll. Jesting words and memory sad, Joy-notes struck whilst all unclad. Bruised, sore-wounded feels the soul- For the falseness, toll, bell, toll. 19 THE CHRIST-TIDE Mystical blending of birth and of life, Mystical power to put away strife, Mystical cleansing of hearts from all sin, Mystical raiment born from within. Mystical tide with meaning most sweet. Mystical truth with goodness replete, Mystical shadow and mystical light. Mystical vision of mystical might. Mystical love and mystical thought. Mystical message by God's angels brought. Oh, mortals take heed, and see the day dawn. Heralded thus on that first Christmas Morn! 20 CHRISTMAS MORN When wakes the sun on Christmas morn, Turn to the East for there was born Our Jesu, Saviour, Love divine, Our Prince of Peace. Thy heart and mine Let rise in solemn gladness, then Pray God His birth in hearts of men. So shall we our own blessing reap. The meaning true of Christmas keep. 21 WHISPERINGS When the daylight fades into twilight shades I send a sweet thought unto thee In an Angel's care ; she will bear it there And tell thee it cometh from me. Dost thou hear it, dear, as thou sittest there And thinkest of days yet to be? Dost thou feel her wings as she stoops and sings, *'Thy love sends her love unto thee?" Dost thou answer then with a deep heart-throb, "Oh, Spirit, whoever thou art! Take my message now, my most sacred vow, I love her with all of my heart." 22 NOW Build bridges to-day lest to-morrow shall find you Unable to gather the timber you'll need; Work now in life's garden lest evening shall see you Too weary to sow even tiniest seed. 23 TO VICTORY'S HEIGHTS The inner-whispered word he knew and rose Through cloud-flecked day or sun or starry night. Borne upward 'mid the silences, his flight Safe measured by the growth of soul. In throes Of deepest agony he fought dread foes Within his breast: yet beckoning on, the light Of days to be — vouchsafed in vision bright — His lodestar shone. No other sign he chose. This his reward: That as he higher rose And deeper drank at fount whence wisdom flows, Led by his song th' unseen the real to men became — Not earth but heaven their pilgrim-aim. Nor asked he more. But one onlooking found His work as poet, prophet, priest, love-crowned. M THOU SHALT BE COMFORTED Let but the rays of God's glad sunlight fall upon thy tears And straight a rainbow shall be born — hope scatter all thy fears. 25 THE AFTERMATH COMETH Along the Aisle of Days we walk so blind we can- not see That fairest buds are ripening fast in wondrous mystery. At Sorrow's womb we look aghast nor dream that through the might Of pangs untold may birth be giv'n to resurrection- light. 26 THE OTHER SIDE When upon you fall life's shadows And the day seems dark and drear, All unclouded, bathed in glory Shines the other side anear. Nearer far than mortals dream It, Just a filmy veil between. Rise ye then ye weary people, From the East the sunlight gleam! Rise and let the gloomy shadows Fade from out your gaze to-day! Upward glancing, see the radiance 'Yond the clouds stream o'er your way. Here or there — what is It, tell me ! Heartaches prove the strength of love ; Shadows mean that light Is shining, Earth foretells the heaven above. Oh, the gladness of the Vision, When though earth Is dark and drear. For our comfort, bathed In glory. Shines the other side anear. 27 CLOUDS "Oh, clouds dispel and let the light Burst full and clear upon my sight!" Thus moaned a Soul. The answer came: ''Dear Soul, remove Thyself the clouds, thy faith thus prove Then reach thy goal." "Myself the clouds so black, so drear, Uplift alone? In mercy hear, Lend me some aid." Again the Voice: "The clouds look black Because in trust thou now dost lack. Thyself them made." "Myself them made? Oh, God! Not say Such bitter word when I do pray For grace bestowed." "Thou prayest child, and then thou dost On thine own strength rely. Thou must Remove the load." "How can I do so hard a thing? Wilt thou not then in pity bring An angel nigh?" "The angels, child, are ever near, Their absence thou need'st never fear, Love cannot die. The light still shines with radiance bright And clouds but prove that in thy might Not that of faith Thou trustest most. Cast self aside. Lean on My strength, make Me thy guide For life, by death." 28 Dear God, forgive! Like beacon-light That guides a storm-tossed bark at night, Thy word to me. And though my goal seem far away, Though shadows sometimes dim life's dav I'll trust in Thee." 29 THOUGHT Though I should speak in unkno\\n tongue and seem so far away Yet ^^ ould I reach in thought thy heart, thy thought my pulse would sway. And while I'd feebly call thy name (to human sense) yet strong Within thy SGul thcu'dst feel my voice, thy heart would catch my song. 30 "SORROWFUL, YET ALWAY REJOICING" A sepulchre within thy heart hast built, Between its narrow walls hast dared to lay God-given love, God-given hope, and pave The way about thee with thy moans so that The charnel-sadness of thy life doth chill Well-nigh to death those other souls? Know'st not Thy fault? See'st not thy selfishness exclude The sun's glad rays which stream anear? Canst thou Absolve thyself when those about thee need Thy help, thy cheer? Fain would'st thou tread the garden fair of peace? Would'st rest thee in its shade and cull to wear Upon thy breast its lilies pure and sweet? If thou could'st enter it with that which now Thou cherishest so close, a withering blight From thee would fall on every flower, the birds Would muted be, and to thy soul the Voice Of God would speak: 'What dost thou here? De- part, The bitter knowledge of thy selfishness Within thy heart!" I would not ask thy sorrow flung away — Thy very being knit with it so close — But with the rod of human sacrifice Of self Fd have thee gently touch it that The waters of sweet sympathy may flow From thee to all mankind. The Gardener Who Hath planted in thy heart the power to grieve, Doth long for thee to bring forth blossoms white Of thought and deed, t'enrich with blessings fair Hearts everywhere. 31 What if thy aching breast hold healing balm For some sore-stricken one? What if thy smile Shall turn to sweet the bitter in his cup Of life, remove the screen which hath debarred His seeing God, and to his soul bring calm? Within no sepulchre thou'dst shrine thy grief; Into the world thou'dst take it, glorified By love; though sorrowful, thou would'st rejoice With heart and voice. 32 THY CROSS Hold thy cross up straight before thee, Never think it aught but gold, And be sure the dear Lord gave thee What would best thy strength unfold. Had He wished to make it lighter Thou might'st had it feather-weight; But that Faith might shine the brighter What He gave to thee looks great. Use thy power of firm endurance, Ay, e'en bravely to the end ; What thou thinkest now a hindrance Shall thy soul to glory send. Thou shalt see thy cross in heaven With thy best thoughts sparkling bright, And then know to thee 'twas given As a help to find the light. 33 THE DIRGE OF THE OLD YEAR The Old Year goes, its flight men mourn. Why grieve they now ? Each day in turn Hath passed and they have thought 'Twas but a day. Had they but wrought (Knowing that fruit must come from seed) With heart and prayer to make each deed Shine like a star in garb most fair For their immortal souls to wear, No requiem would they sing to-night But see the year in flood of light Recede and join the aeons old, — Its memory framed in burnished gold. 4 TO WATERS STILL AND PASTURES GREEN Bring to me one who can with music stay my grief; Not with a dirge would I be quieted but with some chant Melodious, sweet, point me the way again to heaven's gate. Wide open fling the doors now closed between my heart and God. Show me the parable of love all centered in the Man Of Sorrows crowned with gracious smiles Who midst of agony Could yet of others' welfare think and pardon ene- mies. Sing to me not of that with which I'm choked but comfort me With that I lack. Lead to my Shepherd and to waters still Until my soul shall bathe in them, my hand shall surely clasp The staff He'll hold for me and I shall face the pastures green. So shall I then be comforted. 35 HIS SOUL Suppose a Soul were failing quite to grow On earth, that basest passions choked so close The good, it could not free itself and rise Beyond the clay-bound thought. Suppose that Soul Were loosed from body's chains and taken where Eternity's real life it might begin, Its truest freedom learn. Suppose your love For him lived on in wondrous-pulsing thought, — Dear Mother his, would your tears fall? Suppose a Soul grown beauteous white were borne Aw^ay one day to Paradise the while You stayed behind. Suppose you knew that Soul Had earned a place and taken it with saints. That toil and loss were over quite, and joyed That higher service had been won. Ah, yes! Suppose all this, yet being true within To aching breast where he lay pillow'd once, — Dear Mother his, would your tears fall? 36 LIFE'S THREADS If I could take the threads which fall about me soft And by one stroke quick weave them into pattern ra're, Would I not err? Would I not spoil the shape or mar, Perchance, some spot w^here whitest thread should form device I know not now? Would I not better leave to Him Who gives each thread its own peculiar, lustrous hue, The weaving, too? And though in childish ignorance I sometimes wish The pattern wove, full well I know — love's lesson learned — That every thread is falling safe in its own place; By sudden gleam of prophecy bestowed, in awe be- hold Life's aftermath with raiment for my soul to wear, It woven here and every thread reflecting bright The Weaver's light. 37 WHEN DAYS ARE DARK Why dwell among the shadows when the light Is shining clear? Why chant a miserere when from earth to heaven drawn near Outrings a song of triumph in whose strains you may take part, And echoes soft your voice repeat to some near- fainting heart? Why stand beneath the ladder when to climb means stepping where Will come the larger vision and you'll breathe the purer air? Why blind your eyes with cobwebs when great glories are revealed, And they who learn to read it find the book of life ne'er sealed. From thickets of disquietude sweet thoughts of peace may spring, O'er quicksands of uncertainty hope spread her silver wing. 'Mid tangles of discouragement fair buds of promise grow, And tempests of heart's cravings may leave calm with after glow. 38 You know how live the flowers in the dreary winter days, Or how responds their seed-life to the influence of rays Of sunlight piercing through the ground where all seems dark and cold, How 'mid the soft white petals there is formed the heart of gold? Eternity's great branches, what our finite minds term years, Have proved a Great Protecting Power at work despite men's fears; And so just let the sunshine 'mid the shadows glisten bright, _ And mounting on Faith's ladder rest your eyes with heaven's light. 39 MARY, THE MOTHER OF OUR LORD Dear Mary, Mother faithful ! At the cradle of the Lord Didst thou comprehend quite fully all the beauty of the Word? Didst thou see in vision lofty all the healing He would bring? Didst thou hear His voice so holy with God's praises ever ring? Didst thou see the cross of Calvary, hear His agonized cry? Didst thou see His soul departing — know that it would never die? Dear Mary, Mother faithful! Mother-love and mother-hope Filled thy mother-bosom heaving when upon fair Bethlehem's slope First were heard the Christmas angels telling of the wondrous birth. Bringing tidings of salvation e'en while souls dwell on the earth. Dear Mary, Mother faithful ! Jesu's holy Mother dear. What was then beheld in shadow now thou view'st in vision clear. How thy heart must swell with rapture as thy dear Son's armies grow, As those hosts of countless thousands with God's holiest light aglow March so softly yet so surely, conquering ever In this sign — "Fia cruets, via lucis, Jesu, Saviour, Love divine." 40 Dear Mary, Mother faithful! Once again we sing the birth In fair Bethlehem's lowly stable, — hail the Christ- Child come to earth ; And while looking at the cradle see above it bend so sweet Thy face, our Jesu's Mother, with God's love and peace replete. 41 HOW SHALL THEY FACE THE WORLD ? A Resurrection Song How shall they face the world, what raiment shall they wear, Those souls who day by day must work allotted task Whilst inwardly with heart-strings all unstrung they ask The shattering of the shell, aye, pray release ? Who dare Approach those stricken ones, I say, and bid them tear From out their life their pain, or tell them gilded mask To weave with pleasure's loom, in her fresh bright- ness bask Until (untrue to all) they shall forget their prayer? Oh, what were life if such could for one loss atone! Full well they know who've suffered most, borne Sorrow's palm, That when the pain pressed hard their heaven-sent balm Unselfish service was, — an echo from the throne Of The Eternal Thought. Blest work, heart's anchor grown, Fast held them 'mid the storm until with pulse-beat calm They knew the road they trod and learned without alarm In majesty of grief their victory was won. 42 How shall they face the world, what raiment shall they wear Who, looking at their life through human lens, find naught But chasm, 'deep and difficult to cross? All wrought In wondrous hue their garb so be for love they bear Of love most infinite some revelation fair To brother man. Thus robed, their faces turned to port, The chasm may they bridge with happiest; heaven- born thought, Tread softly and await the glory over there. 43 LOVE'S VISION Love's vision sees through fast-barred doors Love's hidden thought, And soul doth feel the imprint of each touch of joy Or pain that's felt by other self, doth see the throbs. Doth know^ the struggles fierce of inner man, doth learn Somehow the good and ill, doth yearn. Such love were rare. Doth ever mean self set aside. What can it do? *'One thing it can.' ('Twas unseen voice I heard when dark The daylight seemed, and laughter prelude but of pain.) "The best gift Love to Love can make is taking self To God. So Love doth gain and givCj were't soon or late^ An unseen strength to think, to bear, to will, to serve. Nor asphodel nor rue need be the signet worn But violets sweet for faithfulness. No fetter false Doth bind its acts, but sheafed they are by string Of pearls, the one end held in heav'n — each pearl a prayer". (Strange problem worked In daily life where stepping-stones not always smooth Are placed across earth's chasms deep. Strange, did I say? Not so, but only rare to human sense the power Full clear to comprehend the length and breadth, the depth And height of God's best gift to man.) 44 "PEACE AT THE LAST" Look well for the sunlight all ye who now linger Apart in the Valley of Shadows so drear. Think ! Under the frost-hardened ground oft lie hidden White snowdrops that blossom ere springtime draws near. Who knows but some storm-beaten soul may soon anchor Anear you and signal for help you can give ? The searchlight of hope will you send thro' the tempest That he, tho' nigh shipwrecked may see it and live? And what if some weary one aching for kindness Shall touch but the hem of your garment and smile? Reward will that be for your sorrow borne bravely ? Oh, look for the sunlight, — make living worth while. Out heartaches and longings may come large fruition, Such bountiful harvests from seed you may sow! The reapers, perchance, you'll not see as they pass you, Their song of thanksgiving you never may know, But softly you'll travel the road to the hilltop, Life's love and life's duty forever made one. Each dawn shall encourage, each eventide calm you Till with the last sunset will be whispered, "Well done" ! 45 RESURRECTION-LINKS A chaifl to bind us fast to heaven we ask Nor see how every common thing of earth As well as beatific vision hath Within its being a bright-burnished link No mortal hand hath forged. Steeped in the drug Of self, too dull our senses are to search The heart of each day's happenings for that Which only makes life real and true. Did we But read aright the message of the rose, The cnystery of pain, the love of friends, The cruel sting, the laurel-wreath bestowed Or crown of thorns; dixi we with vision clear Perceive the inner grace of all, believe That never one thing comes to you, to me, (Or storm or calm) without its special need, Soon w^ould we weld strong resurrection-links Into an endless chain — a circle white With deeds unselfish, love unfeigned, and know That heaven on earth begins — God everj'where. 46 DE PROFUNDIS Oh, Thou! Who seest deeper far than man The thought which sways each wanderer from the fold; Who knowest best of all the powers of hell, The poisoned wine they pour out chalice gold, Their craftiness in binding chains of guilt About their victim's souls, — is life on earth The end of all for those who tempest-tossed By sin dash soul and body on its reefs ? No other world where prodigals may seek Their Father — God ? No candle burning bright When on that awful wreck death's shadows fall? No further hope for such when bells are tolled, \Vhen "earth to earth" is said and requiems sung? Shall breaking hearts live on in agony Not asking heaven with their loved in hell ? Is eveT}r wanderer damned ? Is there no spark Of good, infinitesimal may be. Alive? At Thy command may not that germ Be sifted from the rotting mass of chaff, Be nurtured into strength through angels' care Ere reaping time shall come? Are there no aisles Of penitence where disembodied souls May earn the right to tread their way anear The throne of grace and there absolved lay down Regret, remorse forevermore, — within The circle of Thy love find their name writ? Out of the deep men cry in agony "Father, forgive"! 47 Softly this message came. Not in earth's balances are weighed the souls Of men nor earth computed wage e'er paid Where He The Great Assizer rules, not just Alone but merciful. Upon thy hearts The finger of His hand hath traced His mark Of omnipresence. Then, love being love Thy tears must cleanse the way for perfect trust. Through doubt of that unbroken chain which links All souls to God, be not a stumbling block. God loves the sinner though the sinner loves Him not. His way to bring His wanderers home There none shall know till each one for himself Shall read his own sad-blotted book of life. With vision purified shall see a love More tender, mightier far than aught on earth, In every happening shall behold his God. Amen. 48 WHEN YOU AND I From body freed in the Beyond shall meet, Each ip the other's eyes will look and read Forgiveness of misunderstandings here, — A compensation great but all too late For happiness on earth. Wherefore to-day Out fullness of my heart I pray that you My every thoughtless word and deed forgive Ere death destroy the human right to choose The bitter or the sweet. Within my breast The hope I hold to bless where I have hurt. The keystone of your life I'd touch with peace And waft through space though face to face again We never stand, sure comfort in your need. I who have watched the destiny of hearts Find naught but loving service worth their while. Misunderstandings choke us, cloud our sky Till in a frenzied whirl of doubt all trust Is lost. Ah, then our hearts grow faint, our eyes See not the vision of the land where faith Is changed to perfect knowledge, hope to sight. Our ears refuse to hear the wondrous song That Bethlehem's angels sang when Christ was born. Embittered grow we when we should know peace. Oh, friend who once did hold me dear, your soul And mine shall one day meet, renew their troth. Meanwhile, on earth forgive and understand! 49 THE VISION OF THE STARS Bright-genuned the heaven of mens hopes with stars They would attain but in their hearts despair Doth swing its leaden weights until they faint: Thus the recording angel wrote, and wept. A crucial test that Vision bright beheld ! So human we in confines of the flesh, Scarce wonder that we hesitate to scale Those starlit heights whose beauty Love foretells. Though spirit ardently desires the flight, The powder to comprehend the length and breadth, The depth and height of The Eternal Thought Is rare to finite sense, and thus we faint. So much of new the future holds in store, 'Twere w^isdom to recall the past, its trend From shadows to the light. Else had the stars Been unperceived though near at hand they shone. They who have probed The mysteries of life, its frailties Of human kind, its ever varying moods. Have found beneath the poor, rent garment wrapt About m.en's souls another one, dust-freed And woven with most brilliant threads whose price He knows, alone, who weaves. Discordant notes — The circumstance environment may make — May jar and fret and yet declare themselves Development's necessity on earth. Exultant joj^s and misereres oft Within the soul may welded be but each Its separate seed must sow, some mile-stone stamp For aye with precept learned — a fragment small Of great, eternal Truth. That Mind which out From chaos brought forth light, that Law which sways 50 The universe — the two but one — reacts xAnd throbs in every breast, defines although x\Ien see it not the roadway heavenward. While spirit solves the mystery of the hour, Experience wields a magic, mighty wand With which she opens wide the gates that lead To wisdom's richest fields, men garnering there All each has strength to reap. (This have they proved Who have attained the heights). Oh, realms of Truth ! Oh, goal for which men yearn, aglow with flatnes Of sacred fire! The ego in me claims Its heritage and were no other one To climb the path calm w^ould I go nor fear The loneliness. Faith brushes doubt aside And points to that great galaxy of stars Whose rays or dim to me or luminous Unsparing knowledge of soul growth reveals Unerringly. Not for ourselves alone May you and I press on. No narrow road We tread, its boundaries the walls of self, But one vast thronged with a great multitude Of souls each bearing in itself the germ Of holiness although most sadly stained And rent th' enfolding garment, human-frail The habitation where it dwells on earth. Not cold our hearts must be nor dumb our lips. Not faltering our feet as day by day With all this quivering life close touch we keep. Think you those brilliant stars will serve as guides To some glad paradise of full content If he whose moans we've heard lies prone, by earth Compelled most earthy still t'exist? Think you Our power of vision will not fade so be 51 We reach not out and point to him the light? If he, arising from his bed of clay, Speed upward as with wings towards the goal And pass us on the way, shall we rejoice? That's test of spirit-strength. (In minor chords Sometimes we hear the Master's gentlest touch And learn his thought divine.) Bright-gemmed the skies! The angel of the covenant of peace With steadfast purpose, searching eyes, draws nigh To help men build out iron will a bridge Across the yawning chasm of doubt, to plant Anear the edge of every precipice (Where life seems not worth while, oblivion sweet,) The seeds of victory o'er self, send forth The silver threads of spiritual desire. A wondrous power those stars possess to draw And fasten to themselves the glistening strands. Immutable the law of glad response To every soul's awakening cry, for none Can fail to reach th' Eternal Father's heart Nor find itself unsought. Forever blest That sacrament divine when finite wills Blend with the Infinite, and wondrously Each heart's ascension proves heav'n's swift ap- proach ! Why should we faint? Bathed in immortal rays Of love and light and life, our eyes we turn Towards the glory of the stars, and pray We keep our vision bright. 52 FROM EARTH TO HEAVEN We are so little, we who would to heaven attain ! Our words — we call them prayers — we upward waft on wing Too frail to bear them far from our weak frames. Naught bring We of a living, sacrificial gift, but stain With grossest selfishness the all-enduring chain Which links mankind to God. To earth we cling E'en while with service of the lips, not heart, we sing "Let me but see Thy face," then moan that prayer is vain. So faithless we though on the brow Christ's sign is worn, So hopeless that our spirits have no anchorage, So wayward that we fail to make our pilgrimage A joy. Undisciplined, unsatisfied, we pawn Our higher, nobler selves receiving dross outdrawn From the great treasury of worldliness, nor gage Redemption-price until fierce storms about us rage. Our loss unknown till on reflection's waves we're borne. Would'st soar indeed to heaven's gates? Then find thy place Within th' arena vast of earth nor moment pause To deem it great or small for thee. By nature's laws Thy life must be fulfilled through growth. If thine the grace Content t'obey each duty's call the while thy face Toward Jerusalem is turned then from the stores Of faith and hope and love thou'lt gather that which draws Souls heavenward, th' ascent with pure desires keep pace. 53 i RECOMPENSE Glad service makes true royalty, and they shall reign as Kings Who know not now the heritage that work for others brings; Nor dream because unselfish that tlicir raiment glis- tens white As scattering waves of sunshine they themselves are bathed in light. 54 WHEN SORROW COMES God grant I take her by the hand and say "We walk together, you and I, to bless And not' to bring unhappiness." Though day To me may often clouded be I pray For grace bestowed to patient weave her dress Out loving thought, not vain regret, and find The Star of Hope upon her breast to bind. For sorrow comes Not just a mocking echo of the past, Not cruelly our hearts to stab and scar For vengeance sake, not a destructive blast, — i>at in her lies a moral strength of vast Importance to men's souls, with large and far Out-reaching possibilities like stairs On which they climb to God — His thought made theirs. When Sorrow comes And on her breast the Star of Hope she wears, God grant my love more catholic may grow That where (not mine the choice) I see the cares Of aching souls, the hurts that no one bares I'o pain-free eyes, there with my heart aglow For thankfulness, my sorrow clad in white. May I, the glory God's, sow peace, shed light. 55 OCT 31 1912