The Light We Bear

As in a ivory tower captive now

The mind in endless circles paces round

Unable to loose its grip or to allow

The being firmly in the soul to ground.

Late perhaps we may yet realize

The light we bear to illumine untrod ways

And on an earth we humans spoil yet prize

Cast on our sleep its first awakening rays.

No rage against the night's iniquity

Shall deliver man from his darker nature's needs,

To look on all with calm and equal eye

To hail the truth and drop outmoded creeds,

Redress the grievance of the soul's imprisoned plight,

Is all our charge, and deep humility,

And turning from the lingering lures of night

Wake in our hearts the songs of divinity.