The Prodigal Son

HAZEL HARPER HARRIS

I Took my earthly goods, and willfully
Far from my Father's house I straightway went
Into the land of sense; and there I spent
My energies, and no man gave to me.
Then hunger, caused by spiritual penury,
Turned back my wayward thoughts, and confident
That Love remained unchanged and opulent
I journeyed home in deep humility.

Oh, joyful day! My heart within me burned
To find that my own sonship still survived
The gamut of belief false sense had run.
And then with me my elder brother learned
That man's true selfhood cannot be deprived
Of all that God has given to His son.