 | Poems by William W. Story |  |
[XXVII. Joy is the tone that sounds through nature's myriad vents]
Joy is the tone that sounds through nature's myriad vents,
But Hate is man's alone, and man alone repents.
But Hate is man's alone, and man alone repents.
Yet life hath nobler shapes than sorrows to beget,
God gives us time to live, act, love, but not regret.
God gives us time to live, act, love, but not regret.
For blighted fruit once borne the fruit-tree does not care,
Nor gratulate itself on what was sound and fair.
Nor gratulate itself on what was sound and fair.
So let us joyous live—to-day to be and do,
Nor care if good or bad once on our branches grew.
Nor care if good or bad once on our branches grew.
There is no ruined life beyond the smile of heaven,
And compensating grace for every loss is given.
And compensating grace for every loss is given.
251
The Coliseum's shell is loved of flower and vine,
And through its shattered rents the peaceful planets shine.
And through its shattered rents the peaceful planets shine.
| Poems by William W. Story | |