Luke 7:31-35
I see crowded strips of concrete,
calling elves to play And in strips of neon-grandeur, I hear those children say;
“Come hear our song, come dance to our sad festival!”
Jesus came And He heard their sweet, sad song of innocence and youth
Their cries of love and justice
With plastic coated teardrop in every glassy eye.
But looking through all their highs and lows,
Not once could be described
The Way of purest harmony
Not seen with carnal eyes.

Now I reflect to my own mouth and I see the dust therein
And I see the words that flow so quick, that speak of deadly sin.

It is for Him that I live, and for Him I wish to die,
Not for beauteous paisley thoughts, but my brother, for you and I.
For to speak His words of truest peace, of love that can’t be grasped
And acknowledge form of duty there – are but a workman’s task.

No, my friend, the world can’t know the secrets lived in view
Of every heart that cries aloud to know the sound of truth.
But wait! It’s said another day and all the world will see,
The way things are going, it’s not a fit place to be.

Then there will come a day – I hear some say
The sea will call us home.
And still, there are those who lay claim to another time
When their souls will be free to roam the world – and find it time anew.

Is it for you that time has passed when Jesus walks the earth?
If trust does not lead your heart, then weep –
For you have missed your time of birth.
© Betty May Ferreira 1969

Night’s Soft Gate