THE MILLSTONES

But hope and fear must always be mingled. It was
to signify this that it was decreed in the Old Law    
that two millstones should not be separated.
Ancrene Riwle                     

The silent millstones of hope and fear
Never meet if there is corn where
Their two surfaces would be one;
But there, where their job is never done

Hope treads softly over the fear of sin
Turning on the corn which will win
Redemption from grinding thought on thought;
But the shame, the corn, is dearly bought

Reaped at the bloody harvest in the heart
When tares and grain fill the same cart.
Do not part these stones of hope and fear,
For if hope rises, or fear falls, you’ll hear

The discordant notes of a presumptive air
Or the moans of those tempted to despair:
At their common face, the stones of strife
Grind incessantly the Bread of Life.