Falling upon the frozen world last night,
I heard the slow beat of the Winter rain-
Poor foolish drops, down-dripping all in vain;
...
I into life so full of love was sent
That all the shadows which fall on the way
Of every human being could not stay,
...
I’m pardoned out. Again the stars
Shine on me with their myriad eyes.
So long I’ve peered ‘twixt iron bars,
I’m awed by this expanse of skies.
...
Now what were the words of Jesus,
And what would He pause and say,
If we were to meet in home or street,
The Lord of the world to-day?
...
I care not who were vicious back of me,
No shadow of their sins on me is shed.
My will is greater than heredity.
...
Saw you the youth, with the face like the morning,
Refilling the glass, that foamed white as the sea?
...
Sitting alone by the window,
Watching the moonlit street,
Bending my head to listen
...
I saw a mother give wine to her boy-
The rain-drops fall and fall:
The pride of his parents, a household joy,
A mother's blessing, her all.
...
The hurry of the times affects us so
In this swift rushing hour, we crowd and press
And thrust each other backward as we go,
...