You observe the carven hand <br />With the index finger pointing heavenward. <br />That is the direction, no doubt. <br />But how shall one follow it? <br />It is well to abstain from murder and lust, <br />To forgive, do good to others, worship God <br />Without graven images. <br />But these are external means after all <br />By which you chiefly do good to yourself. <br />The inner kernel is freedom, <br />It is light, purity -- <br />I can no more, <br />Find the goal or lose it, according to your vision.<br /><br />Edgar Lee Masters<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/marie-bateson/
