II

Too long the crucifix on Calvary’s height
Has cast its shadow on the human heart. 
Let now Religion’s great co-worker Art,
Limn on the background of departing night,
The shining Face all palpitant with light,
And God’s true message to the world impart. 
Go tell each toiler in the home and mart,
‘Lo, Christ is with ye, if ye seek aright.’ 
The world forgets the vital word Christ taught;
The only word the world has need to know: 
The answer to creation’s problem—­Love. 
The world remembers what the Christ forgot;
His cross of anguish and His death of woe;
Release the martyr, and the Cross remove!

III

For now the former things have passed away,
And man, forgetting that which lies behind,
And ever pressing forward, seeks to find
The prize of his high calling.  Send a ray
From art’s bright sun to fortify the day,
And blaze the trail to every mortal mind. 
The new religion lies in being kind;
Faith stands and works, where once it knelt to pray;
Faith counts its gain, where once it reckoned loss;
Ascending paths its patient feet have trod;
Man looks within, and finds salvation there. 
Release the suffering Saviour from the Cross,
And give the waiting world its Radiant God.

AT BAY

WIFE

Reach out your arms, and hold me close and fast. 
Tell me there are no memories of your past
That mar this love of ours, so great, so vast.

HUSBAND

Some truths are cheapened when too oft averred. 
Does not the deed speak louder than the word? 
(Dear God, that old dream woke again and stirred.)

WIFE

As you love me, you never loved before? 
Though oft you say it, say it yet once more. 
My heart is jealous of those days of yore.

HUSBAND

Sweet wife, dear comrade, mother of my child,
My life is yours by memory undefiled. 
(It stirs again, that passion brief and wild.)

WIFE

You never knew a happier hour than this? 
We two alone, our hearts surcharged with bliss,
Nor other kisses, sweet as my own kiss?

HUSBAND

I was a thirsty field, long parched with drouth;
You were the warm rain, blowing from the south. 
(But, ah, the crimson madness of her mouth!)

WIFE

You would not, if you could, go down life’s track
For just one little moment and bring back
Some vanished rapture that you miss or lack?