Poems (Jordan)/Why?
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WHY?
Why do we hold our best word back, And voice the commonplace?Why do our deeds the beauty lack Of the fair motive's face?
We judge by surface acts of men, Nor explanation ask;Oh, why so judge of others, when Our own lives wear a mask?
Why do our lips refuse to speak, When overflows the soul;Is it because they are too weak When Feeling has control?
Why do our hearts so dumbly ache Beneath a smiling face;Why goes life boldly to the stake With never slackened pace?
Why do our falling tears reflect, None of the heart-blood's hue;Why are the rocks where hopes are wrecked Hidden from surface view?
I know not why,—but this I know, Through earth with visor down,Humanity will ever go Unknowing and unknown!