Poem November 18, 1939 Issue

Hagar and Ishmael

AGNES JEANETTE SMITH

Ah, why this lack of steadfast confidence
In God's great love to meet all human needs?
Why sit like weeping Hagar as she pleads,
Downcast, a suppliant for recompense?
Her lack seems keen, yet Love's benevolence
Is near. An angel-voice now intercedes:
"What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not." God heeds
And freely gives of His munificence.

Tired eyes, when closed or filled with blinding tears,
Like shadow mist, but dimly vision Soul!
"Arise, lift up the lad." Grief and dismay
No longer can deceive with phantom fears.
The stream of Love still flows to fill thy bowl,
And quench the thirst of Ishmaels of today.