Sheer hypocrites and yet we do not know

That thus we are before those searching eyes

Which look with love beyond the neat disguise

Of sayings calculated to bestow

The best of best impressions on accepting minds

Seeing only the best that we can be,

And glad to hear the platitudes agree

With all the thoughtless years' collected finds.

Unwittingly we sin, though testify

To all his saving power - transforming grace,

Deluded by a faith that finds no place

For knowing what we really are, and why.

For what I am, I am despite my claim.

Let him who is, fulfil hopes through his name.

Exodus 3:14

August 1971