Poems (Allen)/Peace

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For works with similar titles, see Peace.
4385928Poems — PeaceElizabeth Chase Allen
PEACE.
PEACE I leave with you!" From the days departed
Floats down the blessing, simple and serene,
Which to His followers, few and fearful-hearted,
With yearning love thus spake the Nazarene,—
        "Peace I leave with you!"

"Peace I leave with you!"—and His words I borrow
To wrap about you like a suit of mail,—
The power to give I earned in bitter sorrow,
And by your faith in me, it shall not fail;—
        "Peace I leave with you!"

"My peace I give unto you!"—but bestowing
Robbed not his soul of its tranquillity,—
While I,—the peace I give to you, in going,
Is leaving me in utter poverty,—
        "Peace I leave with you!"

Therefore, because I keep it not, as solely
To my own selfish needs and longings true,—
Because I give as He gave, freely, wholly,—
"Not as the world gives, give I unto you,—
        Peace I leave with you!"

"Peace I leave with you!" Lo, in earnest blessing
My hand is on your brow, as ne'er before,—
The touch it leaves there, though so lightly pressing
Shall seal your soul to peace forevermore;—
        "Peace I leave with you!"