Wilderness

ANNA COYKENDALL BOWLBY

I sought the truth, and, seeking,
Found more humble tasks were laid on me.
Pleasures dear, much of supply
That gave me ease, were taken;
And I was grieved and wondered,
Why must these things be?

Love bade me take the precious key
And read the Book. I found therein
The answer to my questing thought.

Moses, with uplifted sense,
Had left the palace of a king,
And gone into the wilderness
To tend the sheep, and meditate
On Truth and Love for forty years,
Fitting himself for service great
Unto his fellow-men.

The inward voice spoke clearly then:
What seemeth lack may enrich you;
E'en lowly tasks may honor Him.

Self was rebuked and tender Love revealed.
Thus I found peace and thanked God for the wilderness,
Knowing the joys of Spirit were at hand.

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