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 knowWhat this scared lip may never tell Of all its hidden woe?