Happiness

LOUISE L. HESSE

Hast ever longed to show mankind
The way to happiness?
Try not to urge them to unbind
The bonds, before they've learned to bless
The very circumstance which bound them so.
Then, only, can they see the goal,
And strive for better things.

The tree cannot send forth her fruit,
Or yet her blossoms, or her leaves anew,
Until each step which goes before
Has been fulfilled in season due.

Why, then, attempt to bring to light
The growth which scarcely can be seen?
Just wait until they've won the fight,
And you will see with vision keen
The glory of true happiness,—
Idea aware of God!