Lyrics of Sunshine and Shadow/Compensation

by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Layout 2

COMPENSATION

BECAUSE I had loved so deeply,
 Because I had loved so long,
God in His great compassion
 Gave me the gift of song.

Because I have loved so vainly,
 And sung with such faltering
   breath,
The Master in infinite mercy
 Offers the boon of Death.