A Word for Alchemists

First year Juniorate, 1934

Lean volumes of Quint Essence or the tart
clean extract of blood's quantity in glass,
and all analysis of gold or gas
brings brief result, for always there shall start
atomic, swift secession in each part,
disclosing wheel-world cells,—and Doctors pass
still aching after what consists in grass—,
intrinsic, integral, enduring heart.

Masters, I've found the Thing, the Core of earth,
and mornings early met God's element
distinct in vital lonliness among
this craftless maze of color, weight and worth—
plain Being, faultless, One and excellent,
unintricate, and light upon my tongue.

Edwin Cuffe, S.J.