Poems (E. L. F.)/Song—"I may seem happy"

by E. L. F.

SONG.

 

I MAY SEEM HAPPY.

I may seem happy—who can tell
 The bosom's inward thought?
You think me joyous—it is well—
 The lip-smile may be taught.

I may seem happy—in the dance,
 Who bounds so lightly there?
But midst that ball-room's gay expanse
 There throbs a heart's despair.

I may seem happy—but that voice,
 Ringing its mirth-tones near,
Tells me not of a heart's rejoice,
 But many a wail and tear.

I may seem happy—who may know
 The heart's deep-treasured grief?
The leaves conceal the bended bough,
 And silence brings relief,

I may seem happy—careless, free,
 And joyous as the throng;
I sound no tale of misery,
 Nor tell of voiceless wrong.

I may seem happy—though the tear
 Befits this eyelid best;
You think me joyous, yet each fear
 Belies each hope of rest.

I may seem happy—it is well;
 For who would care to know
What this scared lip may never tell
 Of all its hidden woe?