MARY OF BETHANY

At Jesus’ feet she listened to His word,

Her heart distracted from merely human work;

At every syllable her soul concurred

And, as she heard, profound affection burned.

But when she mourned her brother Lazarus

Down at Christ's feet, prostrated in the dust,

She showed Christ was the one to whom to turn

When grief impinges or when the way is rough.

Experience formed an ointment of great worth

To soothe His feet since Mary had begun

To know within her heart what would be done

Upon the path that led Him to the curse.