Ruth

RUTH

A gentle maid with lowly mien
In harvest fields went out to glean;
In sweet humility she thought
" I will be satisfied with aught.

I'll wait until the gleaner's done,
Then I will slowly follow on,
And one by one as each one leaves
I'll gather up neglected sheaves."

With happy smile and head bent low,
Softly she followed to and fro;
Meanwhile the Master rich and kind
Was watching her not far behind.

He bade the gleaners drop more grain,
Until there lay a golden train; 
And all the ground was richly spread
Along the path where she would tread.

Her arms were amply filled with food,
Her heart with joyous gratitude;
Just then she heard the Master call,
And found he loved her more than all.

Along life's pathway, here and there,
Are sheaves neglected, needing care;
And there must be some maids like Ruth,
Or they'll be lost, in very truth.

Then do not mind to follow on
And glean as she did, one by one,
Neglected sheaves, for, seeking such,
Our God will love us very much.