Father Ryan's Poems (75)

Sorrow

    Farewell！ I go to crown the dead； Yet ye have crowned yourselves to-day, For they whose hearts so faithful love The lonely grave —— the very clay； They crown themselves with richer gems¹ Than flash in royal diadems². HopeThine eyes are dim A mist hath gathered there； Around their rim³ Float many clouds of care, And there is sorrow every —— everywhere.

    But there is God, Every —— everywhere； Beneath His rod Kneel thou adown in prayer.

    For grief is God's own kiss Upon a soul. Look up！ the sun of bliss⁴ Will shine where storm-clouds roll.

    Yes, weeper, weep！ 'Twill not be evermore； I know the darkest deep Hath e'en the brightest shore.

    So tired！ so tired！ A cry of half despair； Look！ at your side —— And see Who standeth there！

    Your Father！ Hush⁵！ A heart beats in His breast； Now rise and rush Into His arms —— and rest.