Read Voices; Birth-Marks; The Man and the Elephant Page 3

  Other Little Boats.

  I.

  For His chosen of the land of Canaan, God made six seas; But low-lying Galilee, skirted by oleander trees, Resting in the bosom--reflecting the emerald hills Of Gennesareth, Valley of Abundance, was God's gift To His son; the place to begin his ministry to men.

  II.

  Capernaum, on the western shore, where loved to rest Desert-dried camel drivers, traveling to Damascus; Was to the Messiah, nearest home, the place loved best. These homeless wanderers, by sweet visions were elated, Charmed by music of the sea, God had consecrated.

  III.

  The fisher boats of Bethsaida, manned by forceful men, Pinnaces of Herod, patrols of the Roman nation, Glided over the limpid sea, or rode at their station; While near the vine-clad villas, moored to wave-kissed wall, Cushioned craft rocked sleepily, waiting twilight's call.

  IV.

  To Capernaum, one day, came a man whose face was sad; They should have cried Hosanna! but her people were not glad. A few thrilled with gladness and asked: Who might be he? Wise blind, among them, answered: "Why, a carpenter, he;" And their evil spirits trembled, while gladness lit the sea.

  V.

  With eyes of gladness, He beheld shepherds guarding the flocks; Husbandmen hedging tender vines about with walls of rocks; And workmen toiling mightily to harvest the ripe grain. With eyes of sadness, He saw man, whom God had made master, Unprotected; straying, shepherdless, courting disaster.

  VI.

  The father whispered: "The hour is here, shepherd my sheep; The wage for atonement." So He gave the call: "Do not weep; I come to offer the bread of life to the hungry soul; To open the eyes of the blind; to make the broken whole." Did his own receive Him? They crowded Him into a boat.

  VII.

  From this floating altar, He spoke to them of the sower: "Behold, there went out a sower to sow; it came to pass;" And other parables; until twilight, dispersed the mass. Then His message delivered and the day's work done at last, Said to His disciples: "Let us pass to the other side."

  VIII.

  Following after, "there were with Him other little boats;" Bearing those minded to receive him, having heard His call. The Master slept, cradled on the bosom of His own sea. His deep serenity was not troubled. Why should it be? He had spent the day healing; and tendering life to all.

  IX.

  Mid-way a storm arose and whipped the sea to anger. His disciples watching the wild, wind-lashed waves pile high, Were frightened. Thinking the boat sinking, began to cry: "Master, carest thou not that we perish? The boat will fill!" And he arose, rebuked the wind, saying: "Peace be still."

  X.

  They wondered at the calm. The wind knew the voice of God. They had not said: "O Master! save the other little boats! The men following us are in distress! We are with Thee. There is no one with them who can still tempest and sea!" And the Master wept, knowing His own received Him not.