HERE AND NOW. <br /> <br />Here, in the heart of the world, <br />Here, in the noise and the din, <br />Here, where our spirits were hurled <br />To battle with sorrow and sin, <br />This is the place and the spot <br />For knowledge of infinite things; <br />This is the kingdom where Thought <br />Can conquer the prowess of kings. <br /> <br />Wait for no heavenly life, <br />Seek for no temple alone; <br />Here, in the midst of the strife, <br />Know what the sages have known. <br />See what the Perfect Ones saw- <br />God in the depth of each soul, <br />God as the light and the law, <br />God as beginning and goal. <br /> <br />Earth is one chamber of Heaven, <br />Death is no grander than birth. <br />Joy in the life that was given, <br />Strive for perfection on earth. <br />Here, in the turmoil and roar, <br />Show what it is to be calm; <br />Show how the spirit can soar <br />And bring back its healing and balm. <br /> <br />Stand not aloof nor apart, <br />Plunge in the thick of the fight. <br />There in the street and the mart, <br />That is the place to do right. <br />Not in some cloister or cave, <br />Not in some kingdom above, <br />Here, on this side of the grave, <br />Here, should we labor and love.<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/here-and-now/
