Ascension

BEATRICE CLAYTON

Toward Bethany he led them, home of peace,
Sweet human love, pure faith, and answered prayer.
He led them back to Bethany; even so,
By remote ways of simple tenderness,
Is gained the mount of vision; thus we rise
By humble, unsought paths to the sublime.

And there he blessed them. From what mighty source
That blessing poured, that stream of healing flowed
To those half-trembling learners! As they gazed
In the deep eyes, drank in the Master's words,
He drew apart, above, was seen no more.

Returned they to Jerusalem: but now
The blessing of the Christ, at last perceived,
Made them as conquerors; the narrow streets
As highways of the king. No more they feared
The frown of priest or Cæsar, but declared
With boldness that they knew of Life and Love.
And so by way of Bethany, they, too,
Ascended where the mists of this earth-life
Can nevermore confuse; where human sense
Becomes forever lost in the divine.

And by this way of quiet tenderness,
Of healing ministry and gentle deeds,
Shall we, too, rise.... To-day, then, let us climb
The Olivet of prayer and power and praise.

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