Poem April 8, 1967 ISSUE

TRUE SERVICE

Imogene McCaig

Story of Martha! Still it speaks to usWho seem—so often!—in her very case,Cumbered and troubled about many things,Our thoughts, as hers, tread their harassing round:Cannot the Master see how hard our tasks?Our hands how zealous,And how all our work isBut to do him honor?Yet we toil aloneWhile others, unconcerned,Sit at his feetHearing his voice, his loving healing words.Should they not be rebuked?

Story of Martha! And his answer clear.How gentle must have been his look,How firm the wordsGiving his praise to her who stayed to hear!And down the yearsThese words bring balmto anxious, troubled ears.Pride's barriers are cast down;Self-righteous thought finds calm.Still stands the service of the willing heartthat humbly hears—and chooses—"that good part."

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