Poem December 12, 1953 Issue

GOING BEFORE

Nora E. Taylor

The path that Joseph trod was strewn with snares,
Yet bonds of evil never fettered him.
He walked in freedom, guided by his Lord;
Men's perfidy abode not in his soul.
In weary wonder vain men bowed themselves
Before the gentle might that went with him.
And when so many fruitful years had passed,
His errant brothers came to plead with him.
In fear they knelt and, fearing, knew him not,
But Joseph looked at them and loved them still.
His wisdom, God-bestowed, supplied their needs.
When human will would batter at our thoughts,
And fear entice our trust away from Truth,
Until it seems we walk a lonesome road,
Then Joseph's humble reassurance stands
A joyful promise to our listening hearts:
Do not be grieved. God meant it unto good.
To show forth Life, He sent me on before.