En:Center of the lodge

Center of the lodge

<poem>

The East, the West, the South, the North In our Temple's oblong square Are ofttimes mentioned for their worth, In their symbolism rare.

Not so the center. When 'tis passed By the initiate on his way It seems so soon to be outclassed In the grand old mystic play.

As I recall impressions rare While I saw not the light, While sweet surprises met me where I least surmised they might,

While mental thrills came thick and fast As my conductor led, The sweetest things of all the past Seemed in the center said.

And O the prayer that there was given, In pleadings all for me! Was this appeal to highest heaven The prayer of Masonry?

And the meaning of that soulful plea Is all the mind can span; For it contained all that can be For the best there is in man.

And I was asked in whom I placed My soul's eternal trust. My answer any doubt effaced That I'd be true and just.

And friendship's token to me there Was given, and words of cheer; For I knew not the way, nor where New dangers might appear.

And so, as I recall the past - The place, the prayer, the cheer - There will remain while life shall last The memories so dear,

Of that sweet center which I know Makes all that comes more bright, As ever on and on I go To realms of further light.

- L. B. Mitchell, Michigan. <poem>