First Train To Jordan Poem by Bill Grace

I love the quiet moment with holy writ
when words from different time and place
help me to better see my place
with eyes far greater than my own
life for a moment in the divine zone.

I love the sacrificial brightness of my land
strong enough to stop that dark Fascist band
and blunt the terrors of Stalin's expanding reign
restoreing to world humanity its chance for decency again.

I love the men of forgotten honor
who gave the foundations of our day
who never allowed a lie to stay
long enough beside them to stain
the storied hour that history's truth can wondrously play.

I love cloudless moonlight upon the quay
that for beauty's power is as great a day.

I love the beauty of the dance that reveals the latent power of human form.

I love the smiles of the old
bespeaking great truths not easily told.

I love the smiles of the young
bespeaking deep hope in life that lives within.

I love the memory of maiden's bright
and apologize to them for my great fright
not knowing the depth of my Puritan blood
and capacity for Pharasaic slight.

I love the startle of my daughter's
morning full fairwell kiss
and all her other surprises that I will miss
when cradled in the earth
the test will come if love is ever broken.

I love these things and many more
come visit here and touch the growing store
for God has granted fire that may yet endure
and will open here still further doors
of what just one soul alone can love.