We have grown brave we modern folk,

eager to kiss the moon’s reluctant face,

defying every harness, chain and yoke,

kicking our rockets down the field of space.

We flout established customs undismayed,

leap time and space with buttons we have pressed,

attempt to outwit death at his own trade,

transplanting hearts from dead to living flesh.

And yet we are afraid to step aside

from lockstepped columns marching without aim,

to sit alone in silence, stripped of pride,

refocusing our thoughts on wisdom’s flame,

to climb that stony path few feet have trod

where sacrifice and faith discover God.

Muriel Hammond (1925-2021), No Empty Phrases.