Poem December 27, 1941 Issue

Then and Now

PEGGY YOUNG CLARK

Had I lived in the town of Martha,
Little, far off Bethany,
In the days when the Master journeyed
From his native Galilee,
Would my house have been one to lodge him
While he talked and supped with me?
Would my serving have been as Martha's
Or as Mary's—at his knee?

Had I been in the hall of Pilate,
Heard the jeers and mockery,
Would my way have been that of Peter,
To deny my Lord, as he?
Or if chosen with those disciples
Who were in Gethsemane,
Would I too have been wrapped in slumber
When the Master called to me?

Now I know, as I find my answers,
With a new humility,
That the need is today, as ever,
For a true fidelity.
And I pray, in the teeming moments,
That my thought shall prove to be
So expressive of Christ's dear presence
I shall know Truth dwells with me.