Aftermath

A door closes...

Shade

The kindliest thing God ever made,

His hand of very healing laid

Upon a fevered world, is shade.

His glorious company of trees

Throw out their mantles, and on these 

The dust-stained wanderer finds ease.

Green temples, closed against the beat

Of noontime's blinding glare and heat,

Open to any pilgrim's feet.

The white road blisters in the sun;

Now half the weary journey done,

Enter and rest, O weary one!

And feel the dew of dawn still wet

Beneath thy feet, and so forget

The burning highway's ache and fret.

This is God's hospitality,

And whoso rests beneath a tree

Hath cause to thank Him gratefully.

Theodosia Garrison, 1874-1944

...A window opens