Poem March 13, 1989 Issue

Condition of progress

Marietta G. Lyon

"Ask yourself Am I living the life that approaches the supreme good?" (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health, p. 496)

Honesty answered first
a blunt, uncompromising "No"
While False Humility rationalized
"It's not to be expected!"
Self-Righteousness (ever eager to please)
pointed out politely
"... perhaps part of the way?"
Until Discouragement ended the discussion
and (mesmerized by those million miles ahead)
I turned the page

Oh how I longed to answer "Yes"
That I might come within Thy gates!

But then one day
Wisdom bade me draw a line (very straight)
between myself
and that elusive goal of goodness
And furthermore
to place my feet firmly on it
facing forward
Direction not distance
became the instant focus of my thought

Understanding
leads me now
step by careful step
joyously affirming
"Yes! ... yes, I am on the approach!"

Marietta G. Lyon

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