PAIN'S PURPOSE

How blind is he who prays that God will send

All pain from earth. Pain has its use and place;

Its ministry of holiness and grace.

The darker tones upon the canvas blend

With light and colour; and their shadows lend

The painting half its dignity. Efface

The sombre background, and you lose all trace

Of that perfection which is true art's trend.

Life is an artist seeking to reveal

God's majesty and beauty in each soul.

If from the palette mortal man could steal

The precious pigment, pain, why then the scroll

Would glare with colours meaningless and bright,

Or show an empty canvas, blurred with light.