John 21: 15-18.
When fast was broken on Tiberias' shore,
The risen Lord, still anxious that his own
Should know love's secret as to him 'twas known,
Thrice asked of Peter, "Lovest thou me more
Than these?" The third time Peter's heart was sore.
Must even love divine have doubt's sad tone?
"Thou knowest, Lord, I love thee," was his moan.
Then, "Feed my sheep," Christ answered as before.
Still in these days the risen Lord bends o'er
The shores of time, and longs for human love;
The love that hears his voice, awake, asleep,
And makes response as Peter did of yore.
"Lovest thou me?" O Christ, from heights above,
Thou knowest that we love thee. "Feed my sheep."