Poem March 22, 1969 ISSUE

COMPASSION

Science and Health 366:30-9

Alice Jacqueline Shaw

And then compassion spoke: I bear all thingsTo find them naught; place mine arm oft beneathThe weary head. Soothe the thought tired with pain,Lay my cool hand upon the fevered brow,Tread lightly by the couch distraught with fear,Lest my foot hardly press some new-made grave.I am compassion and I bear all things:Before my gaze ignorance, hatred, pride,Yea, the forked lightning of the human tongue,All fall to earth 'neath blessings that I bring—For with me are my sisters love and duty—Duty with steadfast eyes serene and strongAnd love to temper all with gentleness.For we are three: love, duty, and compassion;And we are one: compassion, duty, love!

Alice Jacqueline Shaw

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