|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I saw a weary traveler, of eight years
and more.
He was nearing life's dark river - already on its shore.
I saw him as he journeyed and was surpassed to think
How very blithe he seemed to be, so near the river's brink.
I whispered to this traveler with low
and bated breath:
"That is a fearful river! It's surges end in death!"
He turned his head and thus he spoke, with voice both calm and
clear;
"Kind sir, mistaken you must be. There is no cause to fear;
"For death is nature's kindest law;
the opening of a door
That sets the weary pris'ner free, who's pilgrimage is o'er.
The old myths of long ages have darkened the tomb,
While misdirected teachings have deepened the gloom.
But the true science of life is regard
to the soul
Has lightened its pathway and brightened its goal.
Through Nature's grand law we are moulded in earth,
And what we term Death is man's higher birth."
When next I saw this traveler he was on
a downy bed.
His friends around were weeping; they thought that he was dead.
A neighbor sighed: "A useful man! His virtues can't be told!"
The parson said: "I fear he's lost! He died outside the fold!"
This filled my heart with sorrow and my
spirit yearned to know
The truth about this traveler, and whither he would go.
Then by me stood an angel, bedecked in robes of light;
A thrill of joy came o'er me; he touched my inner sight;
Then from out that mould of clay; that
tenement of earth,
I saw an angel man arise! It was his second birth.
His spirit friends were waiting, this angel man to meet.
O, glorious transformation! Form, faculties complete!
In heav'nly garments he was clad; his
face was beaming bright;
His spirit friends they gathered round and hid him from my sight.
a home bedecked with flowers, complete without display,
Were trophies of those kindly deeds he'd strew along this way.
And this the angel taught me - he make
it clear and plain -
(The law of compensation; of loss as well as gain;)
That each and every wrongful act that human lives had blighted,
Would cast dark shadows o'er one's path, till every wrong was
righted.
We should sow the seeds of kindness, of
virtue, hope and truth,
Along life's winding pathway, in age or blooming youth;
For every kindly deed, to needy mortals given,
Will make our homes the brighter when we arrive in heaven.
A new idea the angel gave - while seeming
strange 'tis true -
The spirit world surrounds this earth; 'tis not beyond the blue.
Our dearest friend we've mourned as dead, or thought so far away,
Are here, and o'er us watching and waiting for the day.
When we can feel their presence near,
their sympathy and love;
Then they will help to make this earth more like their home above,
a gentle touch the angel gave, and went away I ween;
And strange to tell, I then awoke, as from a pleasant dream.
|
|
|