Two Temples

A builder builded a temple,

He wrought it with grace and skill;

Pillars and groins and arches

All fashioned to work his will.

Men said as they saw its beauty

"It shall never know decay.

Great is thy skill, 0 builder:

Thy fame shall endure for aye."

A mother builded a temple

With loving and infinite care,

Planning each arch with patience,

Laying each stone with prayer.

None praised her unceasing efforts

None knew of her wondrous plan

For the temple the mother builded

Was unseen by the eyes of man,

Gone is the builder's temple,

Crumbled into the dust;

Low lies each stately pillar,

Food for consuming rust.

But the temple the mother builded

Will last while the ages roll,

For that beautiful unseen temple

Is a child's immortal soul.

~ Hattie Vose Hall ~

Courtesy of

~ Marie Dixon Van Hoose Sayre ~