Poems (Angier)/Tears

by Annie Lanman Angier

For works with similar titles, see Tears.

TEARS.

They are given in love, by One from above,
 Who shed them at Bethany's cave,
And their value we know when some sudden blow,
 Has laid cherished hopes in the grave.

They sometimes are seen on the cheek of a queen,
 And oft does the cottager's face
Bear record of grief whose certain relief
 Is found, in this boon of our race.

The matron and bride, when standing beside
 The altar and hearthstone, have wept;
One has found in her tears a solace for years;
 One gratefully weeps o'er vows kept.

This maxim I hold, his heart must be cold,
 And slow will his hand be to bless,
Who can witness unmoved the tears of the loved,
 Nor weep o'er another's distress.

Like balm from the skies, these drops from our eyes,
 Can wash off the traces of sorrow;
When the clouds of to-day, in tears melt away,
 Hope's rainbow o'erarches our morrow.

Who most freely weep the longest will keep
 The heart's garden free from its thorn;
And they happiest live who alms with tears give,
 And no human suffering scorn.

Then through coming years let us bless God for tears,
 Since causes for weeping abound;
Tears bind heart to heart, rob pain of its dart,
 Pour oil upon every wound.

Let tears be bestowed, they will lighten the load
 Which each in his turn must sustain;
Then peace, joy, and rest shall visit each guest,
 And earth smile like Eden again.