Poems (Barker)/Forgive

by Alice J. Green Barker

For works with similar titles, see Forgive.

Forgive.

Art thou weary? Oh! how weary?
 Is this life a burden dreary?
Dost thou feel the weight oppressing,
 So devoid of any blessing?
Does the world combine to harm thee?
 Is there nothing left to charm thee?
"Oh, forgive," 'tis said in heaven,
 If thou e'er would'st be forgiven.

Art thou tired and so lonely!
 Can'st thou see that sorrow only
Is thy lot and portion ever?
 That the beautiful forever
Shines not out to gladly greet thee,
 That earth's pleasures cannot meet thee?
Though by cruel hands are riven
 Every tie, oh, say "forgiven."

Dost thou mourn beside the portal
 Of the glorious immortal?
That the gate may open, praying,
 And in disappointment saying:
"Lord admit my weary spirit,
 That I may thy home inherit;
Take me, take me where the weary
 Lose their burden dark and dreary."

Is thy heart so full of pity,
 That the gate of that bright city
Will be open to receive thee,
 And of every care releive thee?
Wrongs and crime that make thee saddest,
 When forgiven, make thee gladdest,
"Oh, forgive," 'tis sad in Heaven,
 If thou e'er would'st be forgiven.