The Stundist in Siberian Exile AND OTHER POEMS, William Fetler, 1922

THE ISHMAELS AND THE ISAACS This is my Ishmael, 0 Lord, But Abraham too had one : He tried to help the plan of God Before the promised son; And oh ! what years of weariness. And oh ! what days of woe, Until his own accomplishment— His Ishmael—had to go. The years and strength on Ishmael spent Are weary, wasted years; Alas ! so little of sunshine there. So much, alas, of tears ! For plants which Father did not plant Must all be rooted up ; So Ishmael goes, and Abraham weeps And drinks his bitter cup. Yet although Abraham failed to see Thy perfect will, and wait— God, to whom mercy doth belong. Thou still didst change his fate ; Thy promise and Thy love were sure, And Ishmael, though he goes— From tears to laughter—in his place The promised Isaac grows. 8 o THE ISHMAELS AND THE ISAACS Thus also. Lord, I dare to hope. Though I have swerved aside At times from Thy good plan for me, Yet Thou art still my Guide; So I beseech Thee to forgive My selfish, hasty ways ! May all mistakes and bitterness Cause me to sing Thy praise. Then let the way first planned for me, My feet be taught to go ! And in my courts, joy to my soul, Let now Thy Isaac grow 1 And as they halt along the way To pass the night in sleep, Some convicts here, and others there, In groups for prayer creep. GOD’S ANGELS 81 GOD’S ANGELS The other day upon a train, As I was crossing a Western plain, A little darling of four or five Sat opposite me, so bright and live. Such innocence on her cheery face, And the look of her eyes so full of grace; Each single action, loving and mild. Of this pure-hearted, God-given child. They say no angels are seen in our day— I am sure I have met this one on my way ! And I would question if one with wings A message more tender and soothing brings. Is not each little child we see, God’s messenger sent for you and me ? A heavenly preacher, pure and true. Who tells us what we should say and do ? A child is a stranger to sin and shame, A child cares nothing for honour and fame, Nor for ships or lands, gold mines or banks, Explosives, aeroplanes or tanks. . . . 6 82 GOD’S ANGELS " Except ye repent and become as a child. So humble and trustful, unselfish and mild ”— The Truth has told us—not otherwise We shall enter into God’s paradise. May 21, 19x9. THE ETERNAL HOME 83 THE ETERNAL HOME Oh ! how oft I looked and wondered. Why the clouds are dark and thick, And my heart is sad and lonely. And my soul so faint and sick! Then I thought of Home eternal, Of the land where sorrows flee. Of the sun that never darkens. And I thought, my Lord, of Thee ! What a glory doth await me. When my pilgrimage shall end, When at last I’ll be for ever With my Saviour, and my Friend ! July 27, 1918. RUSSIA 85 SIBERIA Siberia, thou land of tears and sorrow— Thou wilt become the land of joy to-morrow!