ODE TO EPHESUS: Thy fragrance filled all the earth You brought many saviors to birth Your neck like the tower of David Tall and strong with blessings avid Nations heard thy word confessed And in them they were blessed. Seven pillars; Mercy & Truth You rejoiced in your youth You held the stars in your hand The moon even you command The sun shone ‘neath thy feet Thy ointment poured was sweet Your portals the eyes of the spirit Around the master’s throne did merit Thy gates opened to the kingdom On thy vesture; Urim and Thummim Your tapestries absorbed in love Blew forth warmth from above Children’s voices in you were heard Their angels watched and stirred Thy quiver the heritage of the Lord Sharper than a two-edge sword You loved but one husband So devoted to his command. You had but one true love He was your turtledove You adorned him with praise And in you his fire did blaze You proclaimed his lovely name All abroad went out your fame More beautiful than all your sisters Standing at the stairs of heaven’s banisters No one compared to your great kindness Sacrifices of sweet savours to address The whole city made to rejoice For you heard his inner voice You shared the love of God You held high the golden rod And shed your beauty o’er the earth As his bride you gave him mirth. Songs of Zion from you were song As a daughter of Israel very strong Your gown was the lilies of the field And in the Holy Ghost you yield. You were the apple of his eye Your garments dipped in red dye All your children bore his mark And to the world they did embark You filled the earth with hope n joy Your life to him you did employ The cleft, the rock hid your dove Why did you leave your First Love? Poets Corner: the voice