<h2><SPAN name="poem47"></SPAN>THE RIVER</h2>
<p class="poetry">I am a river flowing from God’s sea<br/>
Through devious ways. He mapped my course for me;<br/>
I cannot change it; mine alone the toil<br/>
To keep the waters free from grime and soil.<br/>
The winding river ends where it began;<br/>
And when my life has compassed its brief span<br/>
I must return to that mysterious source.<br/>
So let me gather daily on my course<br/>
The perfume from the blossoms as I pass,<br/>
Balm from the pines, and healing from the grass,<br/>
And carry down my current as I go<br/>
Not common stones but precious gems to show;<br/>
And tears (the holy water from sad eyes)<br/>
Back to God’s sea, from which all rivers rise,<br/>
Let me convey, not blood from wounded hearts,<br/>
Nor poison which the upas tree imparts.<br/>
When over flowery vales I leap with joy,<br/>
Let me not devastate them, nor destroy,<br/>
But rather leave them fairer to the sight;<br/>
Mine be the lot to comfort and delight.<br/>
And if down awful chasms I needs must leap,<br/>
Let me not murmur at my lot, but sweep<br/>
On bravely to the end without one fear,<br/>
Knowing that He who planned my ways stands near.<br/>
Love sent me forth, to Love I go again,<br/>
For Love is all, and over all. Amen.</p>
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