"At evening time it shall be light"

FLORENCE ELIZABETH BUCK

All day the wintry sky was overcast;
Thick piles of purple-slaty clouds lay massed
Against the darkened western ridge of hill,
So somber hued, monotonous, and still.

But just when evening slowly dropped her shade
Over the unillumined earth, and made
An added depth of gloom, a little rift
Tore the dark curtain; it began to lift,
And showed beyond a tender primrose light;
Far from earth-darkness, undisturbed by night,
The faithful sun sent late a dazzling ray,
Dear, welcome proof of everlasting day.

Though long and dark the clouded hours may seem
Till honest striving sees them but a dream,
Yet known to God is one clear, perfect day,
The light of Truth. Fare bravely on thy way
With gaze directed towards that widening rift,
Rejoicing that the earth-born veil will lift;
Thy wondering eyes will view a glorious sight,
For e'en at evening time it shall be light.