Poem January 12, 1952 Issue

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Edna Wise West

Five loaves and two small fishes—what were they
To satisfy the thousands who had come
Seeking the Master in this desert place
And now at eventide were far from home!

All day, receptive, they had heard
The Word of God rich promise bring.
To them it could have been no miracle,
But a divinely natural thing

When Jesus took from the disciple's hand
What seemed but scanty store
And blessed, and brake, and it was multiplied
Till all were filled—and more.

Five loaves and two small fishes! Often we,
Like the disciples, doubt Love's will to bless,
Behold but dreary insufficiency,
Not the spread table in the wilderness.

Then, even as the Master, let us see
With clarity the bright infinitude
Of our supply, accept
No presence but the affluence of good:
And Truth, thus recognized in thought and deed,
Will silence longing and annul all need!

Edna Wise West

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