616 and 617

They will lose fathers, their own and some more,

and mothers, too, in many diverse ways.

Their brothers will be distant and too sore,

and sore will be their hearts in those hard days.

And many will assume each others’ role,

accomplishing their own measure of good.

But none will make the one who’s lost feel whole,

even if all their good intentions could.

So I shall be their father, provident,

and mother, full of arms with mercy warm.

Their brother I shall be most evident,

and bear all sorrows and each bruised heart’s harm.

And none shall doubt who know that I am theirs,

who all their losses know, and choose to bear.

~~~

Intend to do what you know you should do,

knowing you will not know the end thereof,

and you will find physical winnings few,

but find your pay is rather full of love.

And love will make the opportune times grow—

you’ll find more time to meddle good, and wend

your way through more love paychecks as you go,

and find that there is more good you intend.

Intend, then, to intend the most of all

one day; and now take all your love and spend

it on the other goods you know, though small,

and find that they reap more than you intend.

You’ll never do as much as you intend;

but, see, it is the all-ensuring end.