PEACE AMID TUMULT

Above a roaring cataract
In an overhanding tree,
A robin built a cosy nest
To raise her family.
And there amid the torrent's din,
Above that rushing flood,
She felt at peace with all the world,
And reared her little brood.

And when the elements were at war,
When thunders roared on high,
Or when the lightning's vivid flash
Lit up the earth and sky;
And when the tree it swayed and shook
That robin's fragile nest,
The little fledgelings lay secure,
And warm beneath her breast.

This little mother reared her brood,
And kept them free from harm
She heeded not the torrent and
Found peace amid the storm.
So may we too if we are called
To face some anxious care,
And like our little feathered friend
Have peace instead of fear.

June, 1947

THE QUIET HOUR

"Come unto me I'll give you rest,"
These bidding words were spoken by
The Master, who while on this earth
Felt weariness as you and I.

"Come ye aside and rest awhile,"
His gracious message is to all,
And at the sunset of their lives
May find repose as shadows fall.

He trod the hills of Galilee,
And often were fatigued, depressed,
And sometimes for a quiet hour
Would steal away for strength and rest.

So may we too when we're depressed,
Or wearied by the noonday heat;
Just shut our closet doors awhile,
And there commune in quiet retreat.

PEACE OF MIND

A man may travel through this world
From one end to the other,
He may be free from every care,
And not have any bother;
He may be some great man of state
Some noble benefactor,
But if he hasn't peace of mind,
He's just a silly actor.

He may have riches laid in store,
And living in a palace,
Have lots of friends and servants too
Who bears no ill or malice;
But if he's lacking peace of mind
He ne'er will find true pleasure,
True peace it is a gift sublime,
The world's most priceless treasure.

He may be some great bard or poet,
Or talented musician,
But if he haven't peace of mind
It will not bear fruition,
He may be wise in wisdom's lore,
With literature and learning,
But if he still lack peace of mind
His heart will still be yearning.

He may be king, have armies too,
And conquer many nations,
May revel in the spoils he won
With joyous jubilations;
But if he haven't peace of mind,
He'll have no peace, no never,
Until one day he'll disappear,
And leave this world forever.