Poems (Piatt)/Volume 2/Answering a Child
ANSWERING A CHILD.
But if I should ask the king?— He could if he would? Ah, no.Though he took from his hand the ring, Though he took from his head the crown— In the dust I should lay them down.
If I sat at a fairy's feet I— A fairy could if she would?(Oh, the fairy-faith is sweet!) Though she gave me her wand and her wings, To me they were pitiful things.
Ask God—He can if He will— He is better than fairies or kings?(Ask God?—He would whisper: "Be still.") Though He gave me each star I can see Through my tears—it were nothing to me.
"He can do"——— But He cannot undo The terrible darkened gateWhich the fire of His will went through, Leading the Dead away. . . . For the Past it is vain to pray!