A RAY OF LIGHT

AGNES FLORIDA CHALMERS.

Perplexed with problems of a weary day,
Condemning all whose words had caused me pain,
I turned with lagging step my homeward way,
And prayed that I might find the light again.
The Father heard my prayer. A little child
Played near my path, with pebbles in the sand;
The tender, fading sunlight seemed beguiled
To lend the child more light, and thus betray
Each twilight shadow and the skies of gray,—
And as I passed he smiled and touched my hand!
Yes, this was all,—a sweet child's loving touch,
And smile, pure as the sunlight's gladsome ray;
I knew at once I loved mankind so much.
The joyous gospel of the child at play
Awakened me again to sing and pray.