When We Rise

by Jay Parry

When we rise as He,

springing free

from earth’s thin crust,

and shake its dust

from our dust,

let us let the high breezes lift us

to meet Him,

let hope sift us

through clouds undimmed

by death and hurt and pain

and scorching rain.

Let us greet Him with pure faces,

and He will hold us near.

Let us stand with whole hearts—

with new-learned thanks and graces—

full, and clean, and clear.