Re: The poetry of Philip Britts

In this stillness,
In this silence,
Speak the stars
And speaks the sky,
"Reconsider,
O my people,
All the things
You know me by."
 
"Honey-bee
And woods of orange,
Pineapple
And rice and maize,
Softest wings
Of sleep at night-time,
Strength for labour
Through the days."
 
"Not that you
Should probe too deeply,
Burning mind
On mystery,
Not that you
Should strive to reach me,
Climbing by
Intensity."
 
"What have you
To offer to me?
What is it
You feel I ask?
Reconsider,
O my people,
What you see
To be your task."
 
"Not that you
Forever harp on
Things so clear
To me above--
Simple are my
Expectations.
All I ask
Is that you Love."
 
"Love is clear
And Love is simple,
Quick to help
And slow to cease,
Love is Gratitude
And Patience
Love is Kindness
Love is Peace."
 
 
Philip Britts, 4 December, 1941 


Bruderhof Communities wrote:

> Philip Britts (1917 - 1949) joined the Cotswold Bruderhof in England 
> shortly before the Second World War. He had studied horticulture and
> loved to work in field and garden. The depth of his thought and faith,
> his dedication to the common life of peace and brotherhood, and his
> hope of the Kingdom of Justice found expression in his poetry through
> his love for nature and hard work.
> 
>