IDENTITY

IDENTITY

Should you meet a little saint

abroad in heaven town,

shy and sweet and gentle,

in a modest gown;

Should you find her worrying

about such things

as broken harp cords

or bruised wings;

Should you see her glancing

down toward earth,

then she is the mother

who gave me birth.

Should she step cautiously               so that all the sinners          Should she seem uneasy

out among the stars,                           may quietly slip in         when Michael wields his sword

when Peter isn’t looking                 that God may forgive them    then she is my mother

and let down the bars,                     and wash away their sin;      the handmaid of the Lord.

Should you see her watching

with an anxious air

as every newcomer

mounts the golden stair,

Eager and expectant,

she’s hoping to see

a ragged little sinner

looking like me.

Should you see her wandering

far out of sight,

pray do not blame her,

heaven is so bright,

And she, little grey bird,

seeks a quiet nest

among the birds and flowers

where she may rest

Until all her children

are safely home at last

and the days of waiting

and sorrow are past.

Should you chance to meet her,

tell her, my friend,

that we love and need her

world without end.

Sister M Helen

In: Noyes.  1946