Page:Poems Jackson.djvu/76

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44
THE LONELINESS OF SORROW.
But through all crowds of strangers and of friends,
Among all voices of good-will and cheer,
Walks Sorrow, silently, and does not hear.
Like hermit whom mere loneliness defends;
Like one born deaf, to whose still ear sound sends
No word of message; and like one born dumb,
From whose sealed lips complaint can never come.

Majestic in its patience, and more sweet
Than all things else that can of souls have birth,
Bearing the one redemption of this earth
Which God's eternities fulfil, complete,
Down to its grave, with steadfast, tireless feet
It goes uncomforted, serene, alone,
And leaves not even name on any stone.


A SUNRISE.
HE slept on a bed of roses,
E slept on a bed of roses,I know—
I, who am least of his subjects. The thing
Chanced thus.
Chanced thus.Before it was time for the king
To rise—just before—I saw a red glow
Stream out of his door, such as roses show
At heart, such a glow as no fire could bring.
The solid gold of the whole eastern wing
Of the palace seemed pale.
Of the palace seemed pale.Then, floating low
Across the threshold, great petals of pink
Fell from the feet of the king, as he stood