Poems (Blake)/My Griefs
IN SORROW.
MY GRIEFS!
I have a grief against the radiant day, In that it fails to shine On those dear eyes of mineThat used to greet its coming. Day by dayThey lie, close shut in shadows cold and gray.
I have a grief against the silent night, In that it fails to rest Close folded on its breastThe little feet I love, whose echo lightMade all the dreams that filled my future bright.
I have a grief against the smiling earth, Because within its round My little hearts have foundBut wee, wee-graves; while I, who gave them birth,Stand lonely, weeping by my darkened hearth.······ "O torn spirit! Tried and troubled soul," Methought a voice replied, "God's heaven is fair and wide,With one swift bound, for earth's poor meagre dole,Thy little hearts have won and grasped the whole.
"Fair on the shining hills of Paradise The wee feet rest and play In light and love alway;And God's great glory lights the wakened eyesBeyond the shadows of our clouded skies.
"Look up! Look up! His ways are ever kind, His leadings not in vain; Thine is not loss, but gain;Life, Love, and Joy, thy new-born angels find,—All heaven rejoices! Thou alone art blind!"