Poems (Angier)/Heart Yearnings

by Annie Lanman Angier

HEART-YEARNINGS.

I ask but for the gentle tone,
 The tone to soothe and cheer;
That tone would such sweet music make,
 No discord could I hear.

I ask but for the loving look,
 The look that doth approve;
That look would nerve my soul to hear,
 Recall me should I rove.

I ask but for the kindly smile,
 The smile of trust and truth;
A smile like that on Moab's plains
 Naomi gave to Ruth.

I ask but for the nameless forms
 Which sympathy express,
Those sweet and tender ministries
 That have such power to bless.

Such humble boons arc all I ask,
 They're boons that each can give;
These boons bestow, and earth shall know
 That not in vain you live.

These yearnings of the human heart,
 Oft breathed in tears and sighs,
When met will lo these homes of ours
 Restore lost Paradise.