Because a Time may Come

THOUGHTFUL care for worn and weary,Tender heart for others keep,Lest sad mem'ry come before usWhen our loved ones lie asleep,With their hands together folded,Heeding never touch of ours,Nor kiss, nor tears, nor tender droopingOf beloved buds and flowers.

Leave the bitter word unspoken;So shalt thou be strangely gladIf there lies no backward shadowOn dead faces wan and sad—If a pale lip has not quiveredFor thy careless, hot reply,And no tears for thy transgressionEver dimmed a lidded eye.

Soon shall come no quick forgiveness,As to-day, for you and me;

Though our tears and bitter wailingWell attest our agony.Calm and silent, calm and silent,Never clod beloved wakes,Though remorse sits close beside it,And the heart repentant breaks.

Serve and wait, for when beyond usLives float off to yonder shore,Never word or loving serviceCan we render evermore.And that river may be near us,In this murky light unseen,So let us strew along its bordersBoughs of living evergreen.