RECOMPENSE

LILLA ELLEN BOWLEY.

Gone! all the struggle and the vain regret.
Gone, with the hope I strove for and could not attain.
Gone, like the childish dream about a joy; and yet
The dream was not the real desire, deep-hidden in my heart by pain
And all the surface jangle of a mimic life.

Vain words! that could not hint my soul's true speech;
Vain efforts to arrest the freezing touch of hate;
Vain tears! dropped on the frosted pane;
they could not reach
The heart of winter, but they thawed the ice which late
Obscured a fairer vision from my longing eyes.

Dawn! on a scene of glistening beauty white!
Dawn, with its soft gray background for the fairy lines
Traced on each blade and branch and twig by hoar-frost light,
And limned with myriad detail on the feathered pines—
Soon, all will shine resplendent, though 'tis winter's day.

Live! that the hope so striven for shall range
On wings of freer thought to worthier words, and leave
The strife and jangle till they cease and change
To truer judgment; then shall radiant justice cleave
The heart of winter. Live! do not strive or cry!

Love! that the true desire shall yet arise
With sweet and tender songs of joy from out its grave.
Love! that the hardened scales shall fall from other eyes
With swifter, kindlier touch. Love! with the hope to save
Vain strife and tears. Love is impartial. Live and love!

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