Our trust and test

We will weep with those who weep
And laugh with those who laugh
This is deep calling unto deep
The paradox of compassion’s path

Rejoice with those who rejoice
And mourn with those who mourn
This is the consecrated choice
The blessing to which we are born

To enter in with empathy
Longsuffering with sympathy
Where deep despair and joy sublime
In tension make a perfect rhyme

We will ache with those who ache
And be blessed with the blessed
This dust shall die for love’s own sake
For this is our trust and test.

Anthony Foster
January 9, 2010