Poems (Barker)/What is the use of fretting
What is the Use of Fretting?
What is the use of fretting, And wearing our life awayWith the little trials and crosses That meet us every day?They will only make us stronger If we use them to our good;They are surely blessings to us But how little understood!
What is the use of fretting When through this bustling world,In a sort of wild contusion, We seem to be ever hurled,While others are gently carried And feel not the grief and pain;And their white hands have no labor And are free from the slightest stain?
What is the use, I wonder? Will it bring our lost time backAnd set our feet so erring, In a purer, better track?And will it cause the sinning Of this bustling world to cease,And carry us still more gently In the way of perfect peace?
Will it make us happier, better? And nearer our loving God?To fret and repine, and murmur, At the hand which holds the rod?Will it bring to us more of sunshine If we weep when the clouds are low?If we raise our hands with wailing, Will it ward from us the blow?
What is the use of fretting And wearing life away,With the little trials and crosses That meet us every day?They will only make us stronger If we use them to our good,They are surely blessings to us But how little understood.