Along the Upward Way

MARY J. ELMENDORF.

Though along the upward way
Still the purple shadows fall
Unrelenting over all.
And dear voices of the day
Never through the silence call.
Turn not back to doubt and fear.
Over crags and peaks and scars
Climb, a hardy mountaineer,
Shod with courage, staffed with cheer.
Home its door to faith unbars;
See, its door to faith unbars;
See, its lamps are shining clear
Through the windows of the stars!

Peace is won by work below;
Every upward step is gain,
Though it leaves the print of pain.
Lisping streams have far to go
Ere they join the choral main.
And the heart must sunward quest;
Blend the eagle with the dove.
Strength and meekness manifest;
Banish idols, sin, unrest,
Ere it gain the heights above,
Ere it reach the Spirit-crest.
And the glory that is Love.