The Acolyte
Reading edition
Shall we then consecrate those things we know, Clinging to patterns with complacent ease,— Or, tired with feigning meekness on our knees, Rise up in might and confidently go, Leaving the rest to kneel? The candles glow Whether or not we speak our litanies. Yet wiser men say hope cannot appease The lasting voice that chants, “God wills it so!” Rather I think our fitful prayers ascend To Him who lights the candles of our Love, Knowing we seek in Him our human best: Thus does the worth of God in man defend Our emulation, make us walk above Man’s world with Him while kneeling with the rest. HERBERT W. HARTMAN, JR.