Poem September 11, 1943 Issue

The Church in Smyrna

(Revelation 2:8 11)

JOHN RANDALL DUNN

Unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write—
Thus came the message to the bard on Patmos isle
Who called himself companion, brother to us all.
These things saith He who is the first and last: I know
Thy works, thy tribulations sore, thy poverty.
But thou art rich! O little church in Smyrna, rich.
For thou art faithful, faithful unto death. And now
Shall come thy crown. Wear it rejoicingly, O church,
O little church in Smyrna, faithful unto death.
Fear nothing, poverty nor woe, for thou art rich—
Rich because faithful, and thou hast the crown of Life!