Cross Roads

NOW I MAY SING OF SADNESS....

     Knowing, dear, that my whole heart lies at rest
        Deep in the heart of you, I may sing a song
        Telling the tale of bitterness and wrong....
     Knowing, dear, that my head lay on your breast
     Only last night, I may sing of dreams that died,
        And hopes that never were born, and faith betrayed,
        Of weary feet that have left the road and strayed
     Out of the narrow way, to pastures wide.

     Dear, when my songs were gay, I did not know
        Whether you cared.  And so I had to sing
        Gladly, to mask grim fear—I had to bring
     Sunlight to point the path that I must go!
     Now that the clouds are silver sweet above,
        I may sing songs of sadness.  I am blessed
        Knowing, dear, that my whole heart lies at rest,
     Knowing, dear, that I have your love—your love!

KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE WALKED HER MUDDY ROADS
        WEARILY, AFTER BITTER TIMES OF FIGHTING;
     KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE CARRIED HEAVY LOADS
        OVER HER HILLS—WHILE I, AT HOME, WAS LIGHTING
     DIM YELLOW CANDLES ON THE MANTEL SHELF....
        KNOWING YOU SUFFERED AGONY AND LOSS,
        UNDER THE VERY SHADOW OF A CROSS—
     FRANCE HOLDS A BIT OF YOU—AND OF MYSELF!