Reflections

"Tell me of love", said a man to a child, Who sat in thoughtful repose, When a swan, like an Angel, with outstretched wings, From a mist veiled lake arose. "You are a child and know nothing of life, Of the burdens that beckon, the fear and the strife. Life's path has taught me, love is a lie, I challenge you now, that fact to deny" "Tell me of love for I've suffered enough" Asked the man again of the Child Whose face now shone at the Joy of the scene As he turned around and smiled. "Love", said the child, " is a curious thing" "A gift that is given to poor man and king, "A song that is sung from the spring of our youth, An anthem to harmony. honesty. Truth" "In the clarity of poverty, Or through the fog of wealth, "Love is the gentle voice that speaks From somewhere outside self," "Love will not leave you desolate In your darkness and your tears, When illness strips you to the core Love cries with you in the room next door" Love is our essence, love is our goal, Its power unites us, releases our soul, Love knows no vanity, pride or pretence. It seeks not to judge, nor needs a defence" "Love asks for nothing, love seeks no gain, It glories in giving, endures through pain, Born in humility, dying in pride, A friend to encourage, never deride" "Love's in the hand that reaches out To the destitute and dying Love in the hands, nailed to a cross The power of death defying" "To the child is revealed loves mystery To the kingdom, the child has the key And all you need do to enter its gates Is trust your heart and follow me" “You cannot draw from an empty well, No pearl can come from an empty shell, So love yourself, as God loves you, Then share that love with others too.” The old man listened and thought awhile, For his pain had left him alone The lake, now a mirror, reflecting the child, Who had come to take him back home.