Poetry Monday

Pathways

"Your way is dark," the Angel said,
"Because you downward gaze:
Look up; the sun is overhead.
Look up and learn to praise."
I looked: I learned. Who looks above
Will find in Heaven both Light and Love.

"Why upward gaze?" the Angel said:
"Have you not learned to know
The light of God shines overhead
That men may work below?"
I learned. Who only looks above
May miss below the works of love.

And then I learned the lessons twain:
The heart whose treasure is above
Will gladly turn to earth again
Because the Heaven is Love.
Yes, Love that framed the starry height
Came down to Earth and gave it Light.
-The Bishop of Ripon