Part 15 (1/2)

Their boats have drifted into the sea That laves G.o.d's holy feet.

But the river's course, too, seeks that source, So the s.h.i.+p and the boat shall meet.

COME NEAR

Come near to me, I need Thy glorious presence.

Through the dense darkness of this troubled hour s.h.i.+ne on my soul, and fill it with the essence Of Thy pervading and uplifting power.

Come near, come near to me!

Come nearer yet, I have no strength to reach Thee; My soul is like a bird with broken wings.

Lean down from Thy fair height of peace, and teach me The balm Thy touch to mortal bruises brings.

Lean down, O G.o.d, lean down!

Come near, and yet if those eternal places Hold greater tasks to occupy Thy hands, Send Thy blest angels whose celestial faces Smile sometimes on us from the spirit lands.

Send one, send one to me!

I must have help. I am so weak and broken I cannot help myself. I know not how That moral force of which so much is spoken Will not sustain or fortify me now.

I must, I must have help!

Some outside aid, some strength from spirit Sources, We all must have in hours like this, or die.

To one, or all of those mysterious Forces Which men call G.o.d, I lift my voice and cry, Come near, come near to me!

A SUGGESTION

As I go and shop, sir!

If a car I stop, sir!

Where you chance to sit, And you want to read, sir!

Never mind or heed, sir!

I'll not care a bit.

For it's now aesthetic To be quite athletic.

That's our fad, you know.

I can hold the strap, sir!

And keep off your lap, sir!

As we jolting go.

If you read on blindly, I shall take it kindly, All the car's not mine.

But, if you sit and stare, sir!

At my eyes and hair, sir!

I must draw the line.