Poems (Jordan)/Spiritual Riches

by Rebecca Queen Jordan

SPIRITUAL RICHES

Impov'rished souls, of Earth's best things possessed;
 Whose only need it is that ye need naught!
And hearts whose restlessness is born of rest;
 And ye, whose hunger 'tis, ye hunger not!

Know this: Earth's consolations e'er defy
 Possession of the riches Christ bestows!
Poor hands! Your idleness must satisfy—
 'Tis all Earth has to furnish of repose!

And laughter which, unsponsored of the soul,
 Rings out sympathyless, think ye that ears—
Grief-strained to hear—such laughter can console,
 More than a pictured stream the thirsty cheers?

Nay, nay! Think not such laughter to compare
 With that which cradleth peace—incarnate peace,—
Born of the union—priested by Faith's prayer—
 Between the soul and Christ's own righteousness.

Ye all your consolation have received,
 Who know no wish for things of Heav'nly worth,
Laugh on! By Satan and yourselves deceived,
 For Death's rude hand shall shortly check your mirth!

Nor think to steal another's happiness
 And so increase your own; it may not be!
'Tis only gained by sharing his distress;
 By losing of one's Self in ministry.

Starved lives! Whose fullness of this world's supplies
 Must fail to strengthen for the time of need,
Oh why refuse the Bread which satisfies
 And longer on the husks of folly feed?