first meeting for worship

Ode to a Quaker

I met him in the silence, before I knew his face

A mystic? No, not I, said he

But his God had given him grace.

I met him in the silence, before I knew his voice

And from his heart he welcomed me

I felt my soul rejoice.

I met him in the silence, a soul with love divine

And in the silence, a gentle touch

Said this self-same love is mine.

I met a modest, humble man, beloved by his Lord

The tree of life is his to taste

Fear not the flaming sword.

I met him in the silence and became one of his fruits

This Quaker brought me back to God

And back to life, my roots.

Michael