Page:Poems Jackson.djvu/38

I heard men name his name in many ways;
  I saw his temples plainly;
But they who named him most gave me no sign
To find him by, or prove the heirship mine.

And when at last I stood before his face,
  I knew him by no token
Save subtle air of joy which filled the place;
  Our greeting was not spoken;
In solemn silence I received my share,
Kneeling before my brother and "joint heir."

My share! No deed of house or spreading lands,
  As I had dreamed; no measure
Heaped up with gold; my elder brother's hands
  Had never held such treasure.
Foxes have holes, and birds in nests are fed:
My brother had not where to lay his head.

My share! The right like him to know all pain
  Which hearts are made for knowing;
The right to find in loss the surest gain
  To reap my joy from sowing
In bitter tears; the right with him to keep
A watch by day and night with all who weep.

My share! To-day men call it grief and death;
  I see the joy and life to-morrow;
I thank our Father with my every breath,
  For this sweet legacy of sorrow;
And through my tears I call to each, "Joint heir
With Christ, make haste to ask him for thy share."