The Dedicated Life

Ah, wherefore fast or wherefore go
To solitude apart?
Whether thou joy or sorrow know
Have God within thy heart.

If in his mother's arms he be
The child knows nought amiss.

Cast out, yea, cast out utterly
All other thought than this.

Love not the world nor yet forsake
Its gifts in fear and hate.
Thy life to God an offering make
And to him dedicate.

Nay, Tuka says, ask not again,
Waking old doubts anew.
Whatever else is taught by men,
None other word is true.