I SAT IN LODGE WITH YOU

By

Wilbur D. Nesbit

There is a saying filled with cheer,

Which calls a man to fellowship.

It means as much for him to hear

As lies within the brother grip.

Nay, more! It opens wide the way

To friendliness sincere and true;

There are no strangers when you say

To me: "I sat in lodge with you."

When that is said, then I am known;

There is no questioning nor doubt;

I need not walk my path alone

Nor from my fellows be shut out.

Those words hold all of brotherhood

And help me face the world anew

There's something deep and rich and good

In this: "I sat in lodge with you."

Though in far lands one needs must roam

By sea and shore and hill and plain,

Those words bring him a touch of home

And lighten tasks that seem in vain.

Men's faces are no longer strange

But seem as those he always knew

When some one brings the joyous change

With this: "I sat in lodge with you."

So you, my brother, now and then

Have often put me in your debt

By showing forth to other men

That you your friends do not forget.

When all the world seems gray and cold

And I am weary, worn and blue

Then comes this golden thought I hold

You said: "I sat in lodge with you."

When to the last great Lodge you fare

My prayer is that I may be

One of your friends who wait you there

Intent your smiling face to see.

We, with the warden at the gate,

Will have a pleasant task to do;

We'll call, though you come soon or late:

"Come in! We sat in lodge with you!"