THE
QUEEN OF THE ANGELS
|
|
HER
church is on the Plaza
Of the old Spanish town,
Where swarthy men and women
In the noon go up and down.
Day long and year long
|
5 |
The
palm-tree shadows fall
With the slow-creeping sunlight
On the yellow plaster wall.
Day long and year long
The weathered doors are wide,
|
10 |
That
the broken may find healing
And the wayworn turn aside.
For the lonely and distraught ones
There is sanctuary here,
There is pity in the stillness,
|
15 |
| And
compassion for a tear.
Young lovers find her altar
Where many candles burn,
And breathe their hopes before her
And bare their hearts that yearn.
|
20 |
They look upon their Lady,
And poor is her attire,
But her eyes are like the lilac
For the pain of their desire.
A heavy dull offender,
|
25 |
Laden
with miseries,
Up the long aisle in penance
Goes meekly on her knees.
No suppliant too lowly,
No sinner too afraid.
|
30 |
Our
Lady of the Angels
Is merciful to aid.
She lifts a hand to bless them,
Forgiving sin and shame;
She is acquaint with sorrow,
|
35 |
| And
Mary is her name. |
|
|
