Poems (Crandall)/Veiled
Veiled
If we could know the motive power, The soul of word and deed;And if companions of the hour Each other's thoughts could read, From some we trust With strong disgustWe'd shrink, to see—revealed Neath gracious smiles— Old Satan wilesThe tyrant sceptre wield,
And flattery's tongue would speak in vain "False, false," would echoes ring;Foul slander vainly seek to pain, And poisoned arrows fling. Each cruel dart Would pierce the heartOf him who drew the bow, Each wicked lie Would quickly die,And bring the coward low.
True friends would nearer, dearer be, And soul with soul commune.No discord in life's melody, Naught mar its perfect tune. A thoughtless deed We would not heed, The purpose pure in view. A careless word Would pass unheardIf sure the heart were true.
Alas! we oft misunderstand The ones we hold most dear;Unbidden rise on either hand Rude guests, dark doubt and fear. An idle jest May stir the breastTo swift and sharp reply. A little pride, The wound to hide,A darkly flashing eye.
And thus is born a bitter strife, Two souls in shadow cast;Perhaps thro' all a future life To mourn the friendship past. The words we speak Their mission seekA power for good or ill; They lightly fall Beyond recall,Nor heed our later will.
Could we a brother spirit view Cares, trials, hopes and aim,The heart might throb with feelings new And bless where now we blame.
Then go your way From day to day,Heed not each gossip's tale; For all we know Of friend or foeAre glimpses thro' the veil.