Poem September 3, 1938 Issue

Indemnity

CLAIRE E. PARTLOW

Forgive Thou me my blind stupidity
That whilst I plead for bread I give but stone.
I shall give bread, and through this staff of life
Shall cease the isolation, and the strife
Of random seeking through a long night's gloom.
Heartsore and foolish, I have walked alone—
Now, Love, illume,
And take my hand, and gently lead me on!

My faltering feet no longer tread alone;
Nor blind bat eyes go seeking through the maze
Of walls of self and sense; nor hooting fear
Perch owl-like on a tower of darkness, raised
One piece by one, of stones dark self did cast
Toward hungering fellow men, who, falling, asked
A crust of strengthening bread. Now shall I share;
The hungry feed,
And take his hand, and gently lead him on!