Poems (Blake)/Two Birthdays
TWO BIRTHDAYS.
One little year ago to-day, My darling's birthday face above,I wished the world's best gifts away To crown my love.
How could I dream of grief so near, How could I shrink from coming harms,When thus I held her, fond and dear, Within my arms?
When shining from the smiling eyes, And laughing round the baby lips,I saw the future years arise Without eclipse.
Folding her closer to my breast,— Of all the hopes that love would craveHow could I dream that naught would rest But this small grave?·······O saddened heart, bowed sorely down Beneath the harsh weight of thy loss, Better that hers should be the crown And thine the cross.
This light across the darkness drifts: More than we asked our God has given;We only prayed for earth's poor gifts,— He gave her heaven!