Poem June 24, 1944 Issue

Crown of Life

MYRTLE DAUGHERTY

"Be thou faithful unto death,
And I will give thee a crown of life."

They who mocked and scorned
Platted a crown,
Forcing the helpless, inoffensive thorn
To perform an office of hatred,
To pierce the brow of Jesus.
They did not see that he already wore
A diadem of deeds well done,
They could not see that he already wore
The glorious crown of life
Promised to those who overcome.

Dear Love, if I be tempted
By heavy hate or malice,
By foolish gossip or demeaning scorn.
By mere material miscalculation.
To weave a piercing thorn crown
And lay it on a brother's wearied head,
Open my blinded eyes that I may see
The simple coronal he humbly wears
Of human duties done the best he knew.
And more, open my eyes to see
The gleaming Christly crown he wears,
The one on every son
Bestowed of Thee!

And when material sense
Would lay on my own head
A dreary crown of doubt,
Discouragement, or fear.
Then grant me, O Love, respect
For those small duties I have done
Humbly, for Thee.
Respect will lead to gratitude,
And gratitude to joy,
Until I feel Thy benediction kind
Forever crowning me.