Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, by ANNIE MATHESON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In this tumultuous world of joy and fear
Last Line: And gaze upon you both with wistful heart?
Subject(s): Anniversaries


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?





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