The Loom of Time

[Shell]

I read this poem and am going to reread it so that I can better understand it entirely.  It is very beautiful.  I don't know who the author is - I've googled it and could only find Author Unknown or Anonymous.  It saddens me that credit cannot be given to skilled poets.  But I guess it is the meaning behind the poem that matters and not the poet.

Well, before you read it please know that I've found it on a Christian forum and I believe it is even used in funerals.  So please take no offense or simply do not read it.

Otherwise, enjoy!

THE LOOM OF TIME

MAN'S LIFE IS LAID IN THE LOOM OF TIME
TO PATTERN HE DOES NOT SEE
WHILE THE WEAVER WORKS AND THE SHUTTLES FLY
TILL THE DAWN OF ETERNITY.

SOME SHUTTLES ARE FILLED WITH SILVER THREADS
AND SOME WITH THREADS OF GOLD,
WHILE OFTEN BUT THE DARKER HUES
ARE ALL THAT THEY MAY HOLD.

BUT THE WEAVER WATCHES WITH THE SKILLFUL EYE
EACH SHUTTLE FLY TO AND FRO
AND SEES HE PATTERN TO DEFTLY WROUGHT
AS THE LOOMS MOVES SURE AND SLOW.

GOD SURELY PLANNED THE PATTERN
EACH THREAD, THE DARK AND FAIR
IS CHOSEN BY HIS MASTER SKILL
AND PLACED IN THE WEB WITH CARE.

HE KNOWS ONLY ITS BEAUTY
AND GUIDES THE SHUTTLES WHICH HOLD
THE THREADS SO UNATTRACTIVE
AS WELL AS THE THREADS OF GOLD.

NOT TILL EACH LOOM IS SILENT
AND THE SHUTTLES CEASE TO FLY
SHALL GOD REVEAL THE PATTERN
AND EXPLAIN THE REASON WHY.

THE DARK THREAD WERE SO NEEDFUL
IN THE WEAVER'S SKILLFUL HAND
AS THE THREAD OF GOLD AND SILVER
FOR THE PATTERN WHICH HE PLANNED.

Hmm, just realized that maybe I should've put this in the religion/spirituality board?  It is off topic, though.. eek!  Stan, help - you can move this poem to wherever you see fit.  LOL