God's Boatman

from Songs of the Soul by Paramahansa Yogananda

I want to ply my boat, many times,
Across the gulf-after-death,
And return to earth's shores
From my home in heaven.
I want to load my boat
With those waiting, thirsty ones
Who are left behind,
And carry them by the opal pool
Of iridescent joy
Where my Father distributes
His all-desire-quenching liquid peace.

Oh, I will come again and again!
Crossing a million crags of suffering,
With bleeding feet, I will come —
If need be, a trillion times —
So long as I know
One stray brother is left behind.

I want Thee, O God,
That I may give Thee to all.
I want salvation,
That I may give it to all.
Free me, then, O God,
From the bondage of the body,
That I may show others
How they can free themselves.
I want Thine everlasting bliss
Only that I may share it with others;
That I may show all my brothers
The way to happiness
Forever and forever, in Thee.

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