Poems

Poem

BEFORE THE LECTURE

Nanette Nelson Melvin

This is a sacred time, this quiet hourBefore the feast so lovingly preparedIs set before us.

Poem

WHY THE SILENCE?

Louise S. Darcy

Why should a silence fallWhen each has much to sayTo help his fellow menUpon the upward way?

Poem

GROWTH

Benjamin Sturgis Pray

Step day by day into the human sceneAs if along your garden path in springYou walked with eager notice of each greenUnfolding frond and each first blossoming.

Poem

THE BOW OF PROMISE

Florence Mayer Houghton

When cloud or mist of evil seems to be—Your way obscured, truth's path you cannot see—Turn thought to God.

Poem

RELEASE

Mildred Seidenstricker

In that darkest hour before dawn broke,Chastened, rebuked, I called aloud to TheeAnd felt the warmth of Love that gently spokeOf unity between my God and me.

Poem

As clouds share with parched earth their liquid storeOf cooling and invigorating rain,And on a garden's flowered beauty pourThe quickening showers, reviving it againUntil the drooping stems spring up anewAnd bear their petals with a sturdy grace,And every blossom glows with brighter hueAnd greets the garden with a smiling face—So to my heart, when parched with doubt or fear,Come thoughts of God, like a refreshing shower,Until hope, faith, and love again appearAnd bear me upward with their holy power.