Poems (Clark)/Wonderings

by Annie Maria Lawrence Clark

WONDERINGS

I sit in my quiet chamber,
 And gaze o'er the sunlit plain,
Now lying bright in the radiance
 Following yesterday's rain;
And wonder if coming to-morrows
 Will bring joy to my life again.

I hear from the trees yet leafless
 The birds of the Springtime sing:
I mark the flash and the flutter
 Of many a beautiful wing,
And question my heart, while I listen,
 Why it is such a sorrowful thing?

I see with a spirit taught vision,
 And not with my mortal eyes,
Far beyond where the hills lie bluest,
 The spires of the city rise,—
And wonder why life to my seekings,
 Gives me back such sad replies.

I question if peace and gladness,
 Are the guests that with you abide;
I listen in vain for your footsteps
 That once echoed close by my side,—
Ah, me, the city is distant,—
 There are distances still more wide.

I wonder, and question, and ponder,
 'Tis surely not all in vain,
These tumults, and griefs and changes,
 May end like yesterday's rain,—
I wish I was strong for enduring,
 And waiting till all be made plain.