As undisturbed the stately stars remain
Beyond the glare of day’s obscuring light,
So Justice dwells, though mortal eyes in vain
Seek it persistently by reason’s sight.
But when, once freed, the illumined soul looks out.
Its cry will be, ‘O God, how could I doubt!’
TIME’S GAZE
Time looked me in the eyes while passing by
The milestone of the year. That piercing gaze
Was both an accusation and reproach.
No speech was needed. In a sorrowing look
More meaning lies than in complaining words,
And silence hurts as keenly as reproof.
Oh, opulent, kind giver of rich hours,
How have I used thy benefits! As babes
Unstring a necklace, laughing at the sound
Of priceless jewels dropping one by one,
So have I laughed while precious moments rolled
Into the hidden corners of the past.
And I have let large opportunities
For high endeavour move unheeded by,
While little joys and cares absorbed my strength.
And yet, dear Time, set to my credit this:
Not one white hour have I made black with hate,
Nor wished one living creature aught but good.
Be patient with me. Though the sun slants west,
The day has not yet finished, and I feel
Necessity for action and resolve
Bear in upon my consciousness. I know
The earth’s eternal need of earnest souls,
And the great hunger of the world for Love.
I know the goal to high achievement lies
Through the dull pathway of self-conquest first;
And on the stairs of little duties done
We climb to joys that stand thy test. O Time,
Be patient with me, and another day,
Perchance, in passing by, thine eyes may smile.
THE WORKER AND THE WORK
In what I do I note the marring flaw,
The imperfections of the work I see;
Nor am I one who rather do than be,
Since its reversal is Creation’s law.
Nay, since there lies a better and a worse,
A lesser and a larger, in men’s view,
I would be better than the thing I do,
As God is greater than His universe.
He shaped Himself before He shaped one world:
A million eons, toiling day and night,
He built Himself to majesty and might,
Before the planets into space were hurled.