August 18
Companions of the Way (Evening)AS the storm that all day long Has wailed, and raged, and wept, Nor ceased its force nor changed its course, While slow the daylight crept.
But suddenly, before the sun Drops down behind the hills, A clear, calm shining parts the cloud, And all the ether fills.
Or as the sweet and steadfast shore To them that sail the sea: Or home to them that ply the oar Or leave captivity.
Like any child that cries itself On mother's breast to sleep, Lord, let me lie a little while Till slumber groweth deep:
So deep that neither love nor life Shall stir its calm repose— Beyond the stress of mortal strife The strain of mortal woes.
Spare me this hour to sleep, before Thy sleepless bliss is given: Give me a day of rest on earth, Before the work of heaven!
ROSE TERRY COOKE
LOVE'S PERFECT IMAGE