Poem February 28, 1901 Issue

Keeping Guard

By Ida Hodnett.

What darkens now my window pane?
Self-will peers in, and smiles.
Away, base cheat, so long my bane,
Away, that I the Light may gain!
No longer try your wiles.

Shine in this room, O will of Light,
And flood it with Truth's ray,
Mine be the prayer of Ajax—Sight!
That with true aim my foes I smite,
And see them fall away.

Some beast is tearing at my gate!
Up, up, strong bar of Love!
'Tis the destroying monster, hate,
And red-eyed anger, his mad mate;
That bar they cannot move.

All gone, you say? take rest and ease?
Nay, Sloth, my ancient foe,
Some lustful thief creeps 'neath the trees
The treasures of my Lord to seize;
And you would have it so.

Thought is this house I watch and hold;
Mind is the over-Lord,
Rich are its treasures, bright its gold,
For Mind is Substance, wealth untold;
In love must I keep guard.

Disease and sin's mesmeric hand
My human house would spoil.
Armed with the sword of Mind I stand;
They turn to dust at Truth's command;
Rejoicing, on I toil.