Classic Poem

Here, in a darkened church, in a vacant aisle,
Far from the market cries and the common ken,
A woman kneels and sees from the altar smile
A vision of Love new-born for the needs of men.

Effortless, lo, at a word, from realms divine
Enters the God, — and there, in visible Bread,
Stands to be taken: there, a bodily sign,
Gives Himself as food to the lips unfed.

Starved she takes, and straightway in spirit is filled, —
Lifted and crowned, communion holds with saints:
Glory about her, joy in her pathway spilled,
Heaven stands open, under her feet earth faints.

Back to her garret she goes with Heavenly spoil, —
Shapes, for a pittance, — nay, for a love unpriced! —
Seam by seam, through vigilant hours of toil,
Raiment for those who turn their backs on Christ.

You, who mock at her faith, what gift have you
Like to this which she bears in her heart all day?
Have you one miracle left that your hand can do,
Mighty in mercy as this, — till you raise her pay?

Here, in a darkened church, in a vacant aisle,
Far from the market cries and the common ken,
The woman kneels, and sees from the altar smile
A vision of Love new-born for the needs of men.