The Surface Life

Too seldom does the rushing world

Allow a glimpse of deeper life,

Permit the spirit room to grow

And find a truth beyond all strife.

We are overimpressed by the obvious

And warm too soon to the ready smile,

The quick embrace, the proffered hand

And miss the substance for the style.

We remain possessed by outward things,

Success and failure on our days,

And lose the stillness silence brings

And richness of the inner ways.

We dare not look so deep to part

The greater Person from the veil

Awaiting our acknowledgment

Secure through all our lives' travail.

We are ever torn by emotional ties

And open our hearts to grief and tears

Lost to the wonder that in us lies

Cradled asleep in stillborn years.