I sat me down by candlelight
A long to-be-remembered night;
I sang a song and breathed a prayer,
Along with young folk gathered there.
A Holy Presence seemed to me
Alive within that room to be
Reflected there in youthful face;
And hope there seemed for all our race.
I sensed the Spirit that from soul
Did help them reach towards common goal:
To higher think, do finer things,
To feel the pleasure helping brings,
To live them better, useful lives,
To ready be when time arrives
To take the reins that drop we must
Vlhen brief careers shall Death adJust.
Self and riches, greed and power
A back seat took within that hour.
Scarce more than children seemed they there–
But such old heads for youth to wear!
I knew I ne’er before had trod
The heights so close to living God;
Could blase scoffer with them sit,
His doubt he’d have to doubt a bit.
Small isle of good this scene portrayed,
In sea of evil man has made;
Yet stay! –This isle is man-made too;
God helping, good from evil grew.
Yet–something’s there I can’t define
Awaiting finer words than mine:–
Perchance ideals? They have them still;
Their faith protects their hearts, and will!
Impressed, I left them, deeply moved;
Surprised, to find my faith improved:
This prayer for them, to You, from us–
Protect them, God, and keep them thus!
by Ray Romine Sunday, January 4, 1942
