How oft have thee

How oft have thee
Idols of idleness and ideals alluded me
Thine illusion may it pass
For as though in clarity see we beyond the glass
So then shatter that which remains
A mirror reflection of it

Perfection profits none
That cannot attain to its standard
For only one has achieved it
And surpassed it

So in thy striving seek for that
Which cannot be tarnished
Strip away thy facade
Make thee not thy vices
Thy one and only god

Live then in truth
That thy nature bear its proof
Humility oft gives one a greater ability
For it leads one to patience
And love beyond its own imagining

To love for loves sake
Giving all without any reservation
Only because that is what love demands
For therein lies thy reward
Where rust will not diminish or wither away

Yet in thy striving to serve
So may it be
Eagerly and always
With the love of that one
Who has surpassed all things
Who has borne the blame
And now restores and renews

So seek that which shall not
Surely fade away
For in that mercy lies
And hope rises within
And gives joy to all men
Who so patiently wait
All that which is best
And brightest, and most fair

For love is there
On the wings of the wind
And it brings no harm
For it comes to do good
And fill the hearts of those in need
That all may come and feed
On its fountain
And so by it be satisfied

-Joshua Lee Foist