THE SEEKERS

One asked a sign from God ;and day by day

The sun arose in pearl ,in scarlet set ,

Each night the stars appeared in bright array ,

Each morn the thirsting grass with dew was wet .

The corn failed not its harvest ,nor the vine .

And yet he saw no sign .

One longed to hear a prophet ;and he strayed

Through crowded streets ,and by the open sea .

He saw men send their ships for distant trade ,

And build for generations yet to be .

He saw the farmer sow his acres wide ,

But went unsatisfied .

One prayed a sight of heaven ;and erewhile

He saw a workman at his noontime rest .

He saw one dare for honor ,and the smile

Of one who held a babe upon her breast;

At dusk two lovers walking hand in hand ;

But did not understand .

Jan Bagwell