LOVE'S HOUSE

If, sometimes, argument
Should eat into our love,
Remember love is lent
To us, and we must prove
Not only that we're worth
The haven of its home
But that we can unearth
The subtle, silent worm
Which breeds about its base
A hateful, piercing wit
That undermines love's house
If we abandon it.
Accordingly if words
Escape from us in rage
Like wild, unsightly birds
That have escaped their cage,
And lure us from love's house
In scurrying pursuit,
Let's ask this question: Is
Love's charity and truth
Something that we can leave
When we grow mad or bored
And then reclaim when we've
Grown bored with being bored?
No—for within love's house
It lives, and cannot quit,
And it will stay with us
If we will stay with it.
Therefore, let us retrace
Our steps along the way—
For in the worthless chase
We are the real prey—
And let us find once more
That sanctified abode
Of ever-open door,
The real house of God,
Love's house, a house of peace,
Which we may have and keep,
Where gaiety's increase
We may forever reap;
Within that house alone,
Secure from argument,
We can begin to own
The love that we are lent,
And each day set apart
Our special, daily goal:
A holiday in the heart,
And a sabbath in the soul.

David Marcus

David Marcus died on the 9th May 2009, his memorial service was led by Rev.Bridget Spain (assistant Minister) at the Dublin church.
LOVE’S HOUSE was read by Aubrey Flegg at the service on Sunday 9th August 2009.



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