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.
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.
A lover wandering by the lonely place 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."
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!
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.
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.
A memory of love in one fair breast; In one sad empty soulSome longings have been stirred that ne'er shall rest Under earth's low control.