Poems (Chitwood)/The Two Voices

by Mary Louisa Chitwood

THE TWO VOICES. "The heart hath two voices, of hope and doubt."

"The way is rough, the rocks are bare,
How can my bleeding footsteps cross?"—

"Courage! faint heart, do not despair,
The rocks are dotted o'er with moss."

"The way is dark, and lone and far,
The mists of gloom around me rise."—

"Look through thy tears, behold a star
Soft shining on the tranquil skies."

"The way is desolate, I know
Not where to turn—afraid, alone."—

"Have faith, a hand as pure as snow,
Is waiting to receive thine own."

"The way is sad, the tones that thrilled
My heart, come to my ears no more."—

"Go on in hope; they are but stilled,
That thou may'st seek them gone before."

"The way is cheerless: ah. my path
Bears more of woe than others feel."—

"Not so, the smiles another hath,
A secret canker oft conceal."

"The way is fearful! ah, the stream
Is dark, by fears my heart is riven."—

"Courage one moment, yonder gleam
The jasper gates of rest and heaven."