Time breathes gently, slows awhile
To watch them pass.
Gladness dappled now in star-drops,
Sees them go,
Dipping slowly down the river,
Down the shadowed hope of life.
As time flows on can gladness live?
Will early laughter echo slow
Within the mire of common-place?
Within the mists of clinging pride
Will each to each,
Reluctant,
Grant reality of self?
Unveil identity; for he who gives
Demands a price
Above the ruby’s blood-red pain;
Above the self-denying pearl...
The giver stretches forth His hand
To grant them joy in life.
May they, time-blessed, yield up the coin.
Humility.
(1962)
