I. IN this tumultuous world of joy and fear,— Hope still deferred, desire not here fulfilled,— How seldom is the blind wayfarer skilled To win the flower of this brief mortal year, Earth's mystic blossom that brings heaven near! Only a few, strong-hearted, steadfast-willed, Have gathered it and found Time's murmur stilled By secrets all too deep for human ear. You, who have plucked this one supreme sweet gift That baffles death and change,—amid the strife Of our imperfect speech a symbol lent Of some high mystery,—Love will uplift Life's daily bread, true husband, faithful wife, And minister to you God's sacrament. II. BUT, while for you this marriage-feast is spread, Perchance new gladness God to you will send, And he who is my father and your friend Will cross your threshold, for he is not dead, Nor will forget the life that here he led. Although no voice the yearning silence end, Nor visible presence that dark shadow rend Which hides him from us, let it not be said My dream is idle: for I think the Lord Will give some unsought joy to you to-day By this dear messenger. Ere he depart, Will he not bless the children round your board, His hand on each bright head, caressing, lay, And gaze upon you both with wistful heart? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A BROOK IN THE CITY by ROBERT FROST THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 86. LOST DAYS by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI MIRTH by EDITH COURTENAY BABBITT SONNET: 11 by RICHARD BARNFIELD THE VALLEY OF REMORSE by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON NOONDAY REST by MATHILDE BLIND OLD ETCHINGS by MARGIE B. BOSWELL THE NIGHT OF THE DEAD by JULIEN AUGUSTE PELAGE BRIZEUX SONNET ON MOOR PARK: WRITTEN AT PARIS, MAY 10, 1825 by SAMUEL EGERTON BRYDGES |