Too much to ask

by Luci Shaw

it seemed too much to ask

of one small virgin

that she should stake shame

against the will of God.

all she had to hold to

were those soft, inward

flutterings

and the remembered sting

of a brief junction--spirit

with flesh.

who would think it

more than a dream wish?

an implausible, laughable

defence.

and it seems much

too much to ask me

to be part of the

different thing--

God's shocking, unorthodox,

unheard of Thing

to further heaven's hopes

and summon God's glory.

Thou dost not fall

by Alistair Maclean

As the rain hides the stars,

as the autumn mist hides the hills,

happenings of my lot

hide the shining of Thy face from me.

Yet, if I may hold Thy hand

in the darkness,

it is enough;

since I know that,

though I may stumble in my going,

Thou dost not fall.

quote

A poem, after all, renders an experience that is more than mere opinion, idea, or doctrine.  And it is as experience that a poem stands or falls, inviting the reader not to debate or argue but to respond with both heart and mind.

Kathleen Norris, The Virgin of Bennington, p. 248

Alone with none but Thee

 by St. Columba

Alone with none but Thee, my God,

I journeyed on my way:

What need I fear, when Thou art near

O King of night and day?

More safe am I within Thy hand 

than if a host did round me stand.

The child of God can fear no ill,

His chosen dread no foe:

we leave our fate to Thee, and wait

Thy bidding when to go.

'Tis not from chance our comfort springs,

Thou art our trust, O King of kings.