The Builder

A Builder builded a temple,

He wrought it with grace and skill,

Pillars and groins and arches,

All fashioned to work his will.

Men said as they saw it's beauty,

"It shall never decay

Great is they skill, O builder,

Thy frame shall endure for aye"

A mother builded a temple

With loving and infinite care,

Planning each arch with patience,

Laying each stone with prayer.

None praised her unceasing efforts,

none knew of the wondrous plan,

For the temple the mother build ed

Was unseen by the eyes of man.

Gone is the builders temple,

Crumbled into the dust;

Low lies each stately pillar, '

food for consuming rust.

But the temple the mother builded

Will last while the ages roll,

For that beautiful unseen temple

Is her child's immortal soul.

anon.