[far beyond the stars]

Peace
Henry Vaughan

My soul, there is a country

Far beyond the stars,

Where stands a winged sentry

All skilful in the wars:

There, above noise and danger, 

Sweet peace sits crown'd with smiles,

And One born in a manger 

Commands the beauteous files.

He is thy gracious Friend,

And (O my soul, awake!)

Did in pure love descend 

To die here for thy sake.

If thou canst get but thither, 

There grows the flower of Peace,

The rose that cannot wither, 

Thy fortress, and thy ease.

Leave then thy foolish ranges; 

For none can thee secure
But One who never changes,
                                    Thy God, thy life, thy cure.                               

(photo by jcs: sunset over the Nicoya Peninsula)