Poems — San Lorenzo Giustiniani's Mother

And, among all these things, to you, my sweet, My friend, to your calm face and the immortal Child tarrying all your life-time in your heart.

SAN LORENZO GIUSTINIANI'S MOTHER

I had not seen my son's dear face (He chose the cloister by God's grace) Since it had come to full flower-time.

I hardly guessed at its perfect prime, That folded flower of his dear face.

Mine eyes were veiled by mists of tears When on a day in many years One of his Order came.

I thrilled, Facing, I thought, that face fulfilled.

I doubted, for my mists of tears.

His blessing be with me for ever!

My hope and doubt were hard to sever.

--That altered face, those holy weeds.

I filled his wallet and kissed his beads, And lost his echoing feet for ever.

If to my son my alms were given I know not, and I wait for Heaven.

He did not plead for child of mine, But for another Child divine, And unto Him it was surely given.

There is One alone who cannot change;

Dreams are we, shadows, visions strange;

And all I give is given to One.

I might mistake my dearest son, But never the Son who cannot change.