4534977Poems — We Know Not WhyClara A. Merrill
WE KNOW NOT WHY



    'Tis true, to some
    Good luck will come
As we go life's path along;
    While to others here
    There's naught of cheer,
And every thing goes wrong.

    Yet we cannot know
    Why it is so—
For a few there is peace complete;
    The while for some
    There is not a crumb
From the loaf of comfort sweet.

    Some know not the turmoil
    Of struggle and toil—
Yet there's enough and to spare for those
    Who can live at their ease
    And do as they please—
And their crown is entwined with the rose.

    While others there are
    From near and afar
Who by "sweat of the brow" earn their bread;
    And 'tis very sweet
    To those who may eat
Who by their own efforts are fed.

    As God made the rich
    And poor alike which
Will be guarded and led not astray?
    And which, do you ween,
    Will wear the bright sheen
When they get to the end of the way?

    To some he sends woe—
    We know not why 'tis so—
But he chasteneth all more or less;
    Where sorrow and strife
    And burdens are rife,
These will He especially bless.

    When o'er trials we sigh
    To Him we should fly
Who doeth all things for the best;
    When comes the release
    There'll be eternal peace
In that beautiful Haven of Rest.

    Let the rich help the poor,—
    Drive the wolf from the door—
In the sorrows of others take part:
    And He will receive
    All "ye who believe"
And come with a pure sinless heart.