The Princess and The Pauper

by Grant B. Walsh

One rich, one poor, both rich.
One lovely, one common, both lovely.
The paradox of the age.

One teen chosen for the life of a royal title:
Her joy, her pain, her sickness, her torment.
Happiness and wealth without joy and serenity,
Public disclosure of all that is personal.
Finally, a death that is early and shocking.

Another teen called to a life of poverty,
Serving the poor, the infected, the starving.
Bathing the leper and sharing God’s mercy.
Teaching of Jesus and life-giving grace.

Love and compassion is ground held in common.
Concern for the needs of the needy brings hope.
One in the halls of the castles of Europe,
The other on the stage of piety and service,
Speak to the cries of the children and dying.

A monument of memory is just the right thing.
Perhaps it’s cut flowers fit for a king.
Perhaps it’s a journey to churches of old.
No, better, it’s service that stirs the soul.

For flowers will die and wither away;
It’s only what’s done for others will stay.
Love God with your whole heart is what he commanded,
And love one another, the thought was expanded.

Love is the essence of God’s gift to man.
He gave His dear Son as a part of the plan.
That gift of a life, for you and for me,
Demands a commitment His mercy to see.

The Princess saw people and cried for their pain;
The Pauper served Jesus in wind and the rain.
Give food and give money to show that you care;
Give my life and myself is my penitent prayer.