Dearest Heart

The question, clothed in reason's robes
Spread chilling fingers, dread microbes,
Multiplying, breeding fear
Once entered in the tender ear.
It fed upon a storied past
And whispered things so thick fast
That Faith, though strong, was overgrown
By chilling doubts so thickly sown.
Thus, Ill with worry, sick, sad, scared
To my God I limping fared
And found the courage, Dearest heart,
The whole of it to you impart.
And you, My love, so gentle dressed
The wound that smarted in my breast,
So patient smoothed away the hurt,
Without a word unkind or curt,
Though faltered brief my faith in thee,
You never once lost faith in me.

Allegories

I have been called the tender vine,
And Thou the mighty oak.
I would not thus your prospects blast!
Your strength and vigour choke!
I would we be more like an arch,
Supporting bridge or wall
With God our keystone and each oth'r
To lean on we'll bear all!