Poem June 24, 1950 Issue

HIS GIFT

Ruth A. Chapin

As children will, first time to circus brought,
Believe themselves in present paradise,
Dazzle from splendor out of shoddy wrought,
Find quintessential truth in barkers' lies,

So men, lured by "the greatest show on earth"
(But not in heaven), strut behind the band,
Gape at the wonders, fight for nothing worth,
Grab for the substance always out of hand,

Until, when gold of living turns to brass,
Hope comes to grief, and sideshow marvels dim,
Yearning to walk in light which shall not pass,
To find their God, and know themselves in Him,

Men call a halt, reject the carnival,
Accept His gift: dominion over all.

Ruth A. Chapin

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