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RENUNCIATION.
For the fresnness of heart, and the peace,That was mine, burns into my brain like fire.
If I could think of myself as one,That had faced the wind and the tide,And viewed my bark, with its shattered sail,On the ocean floating wide.
Then could I say, Oh, sea! thou art false,And not to be trusted or tried,For my ship went down with her colors true,Floating in scornful pride.
Shall I weep? no, weeping softens the heart,And makes us forgiving and meek,And I would not spare him the pain,Of the truth I intend to speak.
"Mine," he said, and he looked in my eyes,And held their glance as the snake,Snares the bird in the shadowy wood,From her leafy nest in the brake.
"Thine," I said, and I held it dear,That God had given me grace,To love not anything false or fair,But to keep my girlish faith.
