The Roadmender to Heaven.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20982, 19 September 1931, Page 4 (Supplement)

The Roadmender to Heaven.

I wouldn't be an Emperor, 1 wouldn't he a King, I wouldn't change the job I have for gold or anything, 'And yet from early morning till the sleepy sun goes down 1 only tend the little road that leads to Heaven-Town. 1 help to keep io shining and I help to keep it sweet, I brush away the dusty sins that clutter round my feet, I send out birds of laughter and they fill the morning skies, 1 bind up wings of damaged dreams like broken butterflies; I plant a seed of kindness, then I hide behind a tree And pretty soon a friendship-flower grows and blooms for me: I dig out little falsehoods and I throw tliem in a heap iAnd have a splendid bonfire; then I try to watch and keep

(Anne Sutherland.)

The worn-down places in the road all neatly patched with some Good brand of faith; and when wi'.h harp and psalm the pilgrims come, They ask me, " Little brother, wo bo weary with our sin. Oh tell us, doth the Warder wait to let a traveller in Who longs for Heaven-comfort ?" And I point them straight ahead, "No heart goes up to Heaven-Town that is not comforted," 1 answer, and they ride away, and softly down the night The friendly lamps of Heaven-Street are guiding them aright. Then give to Kings and Emperors their crowns! I envy none When Master comes to praise me for the bit of work I've done: I dare not raise my eyes, but I'll be proud to hear Him say, " God bless thee, little brother, for a spotless road this day!" •Sent by Marjorie Cooper, Roto-o-Rangi.