Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED by CHARLES SAMUEL GREENE

First Line: WHAT MOVED ME MOST, DEAR FRIEND, THAT HAPPY DAY
Last Line: THE BROODING PRESENCE OF THE PARACLETE.
Subject(s): GRAVES; SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA; TOMBS; TOMBSTONES;

What moved me most, dear friend, that happy day
At San Fernando in the early Fall,
Was not the glory that its charms recall,
The sainted King of Spain, the arching gray
Of cloisters, fronting on the Royal Way,
The roof of tiles, dove-haunted, nor the tall
Old palms that guard the olive orchard's wall,
Nor yet the church, impressive in decay;
But just a grave, where weeds neglected grew,
That bore two mustard stalks tied Christ-cross wise.
A grain of faith like that makes living sweet:
It moves the mountains, makes us feel anew
The benediction of those smiling skies,
The brooding presence of the Paraclete.



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