Poem February 26, 1944 Issue

That Shunammite

LENA M. HALL

"Is it well with thee?' Gehazi said,
"And she answered, 'It is well.'"
O woman of Shunem, you have set
A standard high for the growing throng
Seeking relief from sorrow and pain.

"Is it well with thy husband?...well with the child?"
Woman of Shunem where are your tears?
You are a mother; can you stand
And challenge the deadliest shaft of all
With your changeless answer, "It is well"?

Small wonder the prophet strode by her side
To her quiet house. Small wonder he said
After a brief space. "Take up thy son."
She had never admitted loss or death.

Woman of Shunem, may all who run
To the prophets, today, vexed very sore,
Like you, purge their hearts from remnants of fear,
Shadows of doubt, unrest, and despair,
That the prophet may haste to the house, foot-light,
And give back the jewel snatched in the night.