When the cold winds of hate storm our hearts;
when the waves of deepest pain rack our nerves;
or disappointment points to dark despair;
if days of loneliness spoil our hope,
with tomorrow shaping like a cloud of doom;
When loss of those near and dear stings with blood-red agony;
or chilling fear grips the soul with forecast of self-death;
when the tornadic swirl of failures visciously tears our spirit,
remember the ways of love.
When love calls, give ear to that striking voice
for its warmth within you will alert to new directions.
What ecstasy as we extend to others love’s tenderness!
For us, for those we touch, for those who follow,
love is more than kindness.
It is self, given in wild abandonment.
Love is more than service;
it is wind set on a course with no turning.
Against the pain of life, the agonies we must endure,–
Love is healing, love is the best gift, the priceless treasure!
Love is our supreme pilgrimage!
(December 1997, revised February 2004)