I reach to tightly hold their hands

Saint Joan of Arc and Saint Thérèse; Are gifts from God through Mary's hands

The Dove and Rose offers free and paid subscriber options. Publications from my books are paid subscriber only. Much of the rest is free. If you enjoy The Dove Rose regularly, consider becoming a monthly or yearly paid subscriber.

Or, if you enjoy a post and want to make a one-time contribution to my work, the gesture will be much appreciated!

Most importantly, enjoy yourself because I appreciate that you are here.

---

Photo by Mark Harpur on Unsplash

---

I reach to tightly hold their hands

Saint Joan of Arc and Saint Thérèse
Are gifts from God through Mary's hands
I did not know the great extent
Nor just what Jesus really meant
When first Our Lady He bestowed
A love for her in me that flowed
Until I could not hold inside
The movements of this graceful tide
To love her so, I asked Him please
For pureness and humility
In me those things do not exist
Most sins I never could resist
So, Jesus sent as Mary said
Saint Joan of Arc and Saint Thérèse
To offer me in charity
A little of their own, you see
How could our mighty Lord now frown?
When Mary shows Him my new crowns
Shared by these saints who love me so
Who pulled them from their treasure trove 
The best of all these graces be
To live in spiritual poverty
Though empty in myself I know
I walk with sweet and holy souls
As Jesus lifts them high, so grand
I reach to tightly hold their hands

~ Walter Emerson