The Acolyte

Shall we then consecrate those things we know,

Clinging to patterns with complacent ease,—

Or, tired with feigning meekness on our knees,

Rise up in might and confidently go,

Leaving the rest to kneel? The candles glow

Whether or not we speak our litanies.

Yet wiser men say hope cannot appease

The lasting voice that chants, “God wills it so!”