Poems (Terry, 1861)/Truths
TRUTHS.
I wear a rose in my hair, Because I feel like a weed; Who knows that the rose is thorny And makes my temples bleed?If one gets to his journey's end, what matter how galled the steed?
I gloss my face with laughter, Because I cannot be calm; When you listen to the organ, Do you hear the words of the psalm?If they give you poison to drink, 'tis better to call it balm.
If I sneer at youth's wild passion, Who fancies I break my heart? 'Tis this world's righteous fashion, With a sneer to cover a smart.Better to give up living than not to play your part.
If I scatter gold like a goblin, My life may yet be poor. Does Love come in at the window When Money stands at the door?I am what I seem to men. Need I be any more?
God sees from the high blue heaven, He sees the grape in the flower; He hears one's life-blood dripping Through the maddest, merriest hour;He knows what sackcloth and ashes hide in the purple of power.
The broken wing of the swallow He binds in the middle air; I shall be what I am in Paradise— So, heart, no more despair!Remember the blessed Jesus, and wipe his feet with thy hair.