Poems (Sharpless)/E'en at Joy's Feast

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4648355Poems — E'en at Joy's FeastFrances M. Sharpless
E'EN AT JOY'S FEAST
E'en at joy's feast was my soul sad and lone!
Hollow the laughter; and an undertone
Swept off the mirth into a dreary moan,
     E'en at joy's feast.
The tender blossoms faded out so soon!
Some discord jarred thro' every sweetest tune
     Ere it had ceased.

Sighing, I turned me from the careless throng,
And wandering woful the wild wastes among
One stayed me with a gentle grasp, but strong:—
     "Be thou my guest!"
She broke the bread of life to me, and poured
The wine of sorrow;—at her frugal board
     First found I rest.

She wore no garlands,—no blithe song she raised,
And while I bided, peaceful yet amazed,
I found one with her whom all hearts have praised.
     I followed Duty
And found a household guest beside her hearth,
Sweet-eyed Content, who fills with joy the earth,
     And life with beauty.