A Poem by Ray V. Denslow
I was born in antiquity, in
the ancient days when men first dreamed of God. I have been tried through the ages, and
found true. The
crossroads of the world bear the imprint of my feet, and the
cathedrals of all nations mark the skill of my hands. I strive for
beauty and for symmetry. In my heart is wisdom and strength and
courage for those who ask. Upon my alters is the Book of Holy Writ, and my prayers
are to the One Omnipotent God, my sons work and pray together, without rank or
discord, in the public mart and in the inner chamber. But signs and symbols I
teach the lessons of life and of death and the relationship of man with God and
of man with man. My arms are widespread to receive those of lawful age and good
report who seek me of their own free will. I accept them and teach them to use
my tools in the building of men, and thereafter, find direction in their own
quest for perfection so much desired and so difficult to attain. I lift up the
fallen and shelter the sick. I hark to the orphans' cry, the widows tears, the
pain of the old and destitute. I am not church, nor party, nor school, yet my
sons bear a full share of responsibility to God, to country, to neighbor and
themselves. They are freemen, tenacious of their liberties and alert to lurking
danger. At the end I commit them as each one undertakes the journey beyond the
vale into the glory of everlasting life. I ponder the sand within the glass and
think how small is a single life in the eternal universe. Always have I taught
immortality, and even as I raise men from darkness into light, I am a way of
life. I Am Freemasonry.