The prodigal

HILLARY HAUSER

You were always there, no matter how often I strayed.
You took me by the hand, gently, never stern—
Forgiving, always.
Father, I had left your house—
There was the fun, the applause,
And I followed those.

Yet You
Waited patiently.

Knowing I would return, You smiled, and in Your song You said:
In My kingdom there are many mansions—
Waiting for you.

In Your arms I was calm and safe,
But with heart renewed, I set off again
For foreign lands—across the seas.
My ship strayed far from familiar shores.

The waves of earthly dreams turned into storms. Rough troughs capsized my soul.
I knew I must go back—and back, and back!
And You were there, with outstretched hand to save.

You brought me home, giving all Your love.
You told me You were ever there—
Even in the storms, when I thought I was at sea, alone.
Dear Father!

My heart—now cured of all repeating.
(How much more of Life is gained by faithful staying!)
The unfolding of ideas, the robe and ring,
Eternal Love, the fatted calf.

You take me in Your arms,
Loving me like a sheep—a black one—
But equally loved as the others, who have never strayed.
Oh, the calm and loveliness of Your embrace!

HILLARY HAUSER

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April 29, 1985

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