The Vessel
The Master was searching for a vessel to use
Before Him were many; which one would He choose?
"Take me" cried the gold one, "I'm shiny
and bright,
I'm of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and lustre will outshine the rest,
And for someone like you Lord, gold would be best."
The Master passed on with no word at all,
And looked at a silver um, grand and tall.
"I'll serve you, dear Master, I'll pour out your
wine
I'll be at your table whenever you dine.
My lines are so graceful, my carving is true
And silver will always complement you."
Unheeding, the Master passed on to the brass,
Wide-mouthed and shallow and polished like glass.
"Here,
here!" cried the vessel, "I know I will do,
Place me on your table
for all men to view."
"Look at me," called the goblet of crystal so
clear,
"My transparency shows my contents so clear.
Though fragile am I, I
will serve you with pride,
And I'm sure I'll be happy in your house to
abide."
Then the Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and
carved, it solidly stood.
"You may use me dearest Master," the wooden
bowl said,
"But I'd rather you used me for fruit, not for
bread."
Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay,
Empty
and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To
cleanse, and make whole, to fill and to use.
"Ah! Now this is the vessel I've been hoping to
find,
I'll mend it and use it and make it all mine.
I need not the vessel with pride of itself,
Nor one that is narrow to sit on the shelf,
Nor one that is big- mouthed and shallow and loud,
Nor one that displays his contents so proud,
Nor the one that thinks he can do things just right,
But this plain earthly vessel filled with power and
might."
Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay,
Mended and
cleansed it and filled it that day;
Spoke to it kindly - "there's work you
must do -
Just pour out to others as I pour into you."
B.V. Cornwall
