The Garden

I know a garden near a city street,
   Where I can find the quiet and repose
My spirit seeks, within that walled retreat
   The peaceful flower of meditation grows.
I hear of One who taught in Galilee
   Long years ago, and gave His life for all.

I seek His likeness kneeling by a tree;
   My heart can hear His living presence call
To nobler deed, to purer thought and will,
   To love and service toward my fellow-
      men;
God seems so near me in these moments,
      still
   And sacred, that I walk the streets again

Renewed, and all the cares I brought before
Grow lighter as I leave the garden door.

--Esther York Burkholder