Father Ryan's Poems (57)

    Back to where the roses rest Round a shrine² of holy name, （Yes -they knew me when I came） More of peace and less of fame Suit my restless heart the best.

    Back to where long quiets brood, Where the calm is never stirred By the harshness of a word, But instead the singing bird Sweetens all my solitude³.

    With the birds and with the flowers Songs and silences unite, From the morning unto night； And somehow a clearer light Shines along the quiet hours.

    God comes closer to me here —— Back of ev'ry rose leaf there He is hiding —— and the air Thrills with calls to holy prayer； Earth grows far, and heaven near.

    Every single flower is fraught⁴ With the very sweetest dreams, Under clouds or under gleams Changeful ever —— yet meseems On each leaf I read God's thought.

    Still, at times, as place of death, Not a sound to vex⁵ the ear, Yet withal it is not drear； Better for the heart to hear, Far from men —— God's gentle breath.

    Where men clash, God always clings： When the human passes by, Like a cloud from summer sky, God so gently draweth nigh, And the brightest blessings⁶ brings.

    List！ e'en now a wild bird sings, And the roses seem to hear Every note that thrills my ear, Rising to the heavens clear, And my soul soars on its wings

    Up into the silent skies Where the sunbeams veil the star, Up -beyond the clouds afar, Where no discords⁷ ever mar¹, Where rests peace that never dies.

    So I live within the calm, And the birds and roses know That the days that come and go Are as peaceful as the flow Of a prayer beneath a psalm⁸.