Poems (Jordan)/Why?
For works with similar titles, see Why?.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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!
Through earth with visor down,
Humanity will ever go
Unknowing and unknown!