Poem October 4, 1947 Issue

BROTHERHOOD

Meredith Russell

Give me, O Lord, to see my brother whole,
Regarding not the color, caste, or creed
Which mortal thought in ignorance of Soul
Ascribes. Let me accord to him due meed
Of praise well earned for honest work well done
In common cause to lighten human toil,
Nor be censorious if, ere victory won,
He stumbles oft, dust-blinded in the coil
Of ill-directed striving. Let me stand
Ready with understanding word to cheer
Him on to wiser effort, and with hand
Prompt to help, till, sounding strong and clear,
"Well done" shall mark completion of the task.
Against carping doubt of him be mine to know
Its lying serpent source. This would I ask,
Full confident in Love's unceasing flow.
Grant me to feel, in my own turn, the grace
Of canceled wrong, to accept the healing rod,
As Jacob saw his brother Esau's face,
Beholding as it were the face of God.