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Poems (Merrill)/We Know Not Why

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4534977Poems — We Know Not WhyClara A. Merrill
WE KNOW NOT WHY
——
    'Tis true, to some     Good luck will come As we go life's path along;     While to others here     There's naught of cheer, And every thing goes wrong.
    Yet we cannot know     Why it is so—For a few there is peace complete;     The while for some     There is not a crumb From the loaf of comfort sweet.
    Some know not the turmoil     Of struggle and toil—Yet there's enough and to spare for those     Who can live at their ease     And do as they please—And their crown is entwined with the rose.
    While others there are     From near and afar Who by "sweat of the brow" earn their bread;     And 'tis very sweet     To those who may eat Who by their own efforts are fed.
    As God made the rich     And poor alike which Will be guarded and led not astray?     And which, do you ween,     Will wear the bright sheen When they get to the end of the way?
    To some he sends woe—    We know not why 'tis so—But he chasteneth all more or less;     Where sorrow and strife     And burdens are rife, These will He especially bless.
    When o'er trials we sigh     To Him we should fly Who doeth all things for the best;     When comes the release     There'll be eternal peace In that beautiful Haven of Rest.
    Let the rich help the poor,—    Drive the wolf from the door—In the sorrows of others take part:     And He will receive     All "ye who believe"And come with a pure sinless heart.