Poems (Sharpless)/Not in Vain
NOT IN VAIN
Some lilies rose in stately radiance white
'Mid shafts of living green;
And the pure, starry splendor made a light
Around the homely scene.
'Mid shafts of living green;
And the pure, starry splendor made a light
Around the homely scene.
What chance had placed the bulbs in such a spot
No human tongue could tell,
But neither shower nor Summer sun forgot
To tend the nurslings well.
No human tongue could tell,
But neither shower nor Summer sun forgot
To tend the nurslings well.
A lover wandering by the lonely place
Plucked one with musing smile,
Seeing anear one well-remembered face
And whispered all the while:—
Plucked one with musing smile,
Seeing anear one well-remembered face
And whispered all the while:—
"This perfect flower with a dew-drop laden
In virginal garb of white,
Shall bear my secret to my dearest maiden
And plead for me to-night."
In virginal garb of white,
Shall bear my secret to my dearest maiden
And plead for me to-night."
A little ragged boy with eager hand
Hath gathered two or three;
And now, who is there that in all the land
Hath such a joy as he!
Hath gathered two or three;
And now, who is there that in all the land
Hath such a joy as he!
Hunger and want his gaunt companions long
Have slunk in shame away,
While that sweet presence like an unsung song
Thrills all his soul to-day.
Have slunk in shame away,
While that sweet presence like an unsung song
Thrills all his soul to-day.
Yet ere a little must the lilies fade
And thrown aside, must die;
But for two hearts a heaven they have made
Ere they neglected lie.
And thrown aside, must die;
But for two hearts a heaven they have made
Ere they neglected lie.
A memory of love in one fair breast;
In one sad empty soul
Some longings have been stirred that ne'er shall rest
Under earth's low control.
In one sad empty soul
Some longings have been stirred that ne'er shall rest
Under earth's low control.