Poems (Eckley)/"For they that sow in tears shall reap in joy"

by Sophia May Eckley

"For they that sow in tears shall reap in joy."

O forth, go forth to the labour,
 For the harvest will soon be here,
With tasselled grain, and ripened fruits,
 And golden corn in the ear;
  "For they that sow in tears shall reap in joy.'

What boot the dark clouds above thee
 If they "return after the rain?"
Go forth with faith, for the harvest
 Has promised thee golden grain;
  "For they that sow in tears shall reap in joy."

For they that sow in the morning,
 E'en tho' they sow through their tears,
Shall reap their joy in the evening,
 And find sweet rest to their cares;
  "For they that sow in tears shall reap in joy."

Faith then must open the furrow,
 And hope too must drop in her seed,
Love then shall gather her harvest,
 Go forth in earnest—take heed,
  "For they that sow in tears shall reap in joy."