Poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Recompense

Straight through my heart this fact to-day, 
By Truth’s own hand is driven: 
God never takes one thing away, 
But something else is given.

I did not know in earlier years, 
This law of love and kindness; 
I only mourned through bitter tears
My loss, in sorrow’s blindness.

But, ever following each regret
O’er some departed treasure, 
My sad repining heart was met
With unexpected pleasure.

I thought is only happened so; 
But time this truth taught me –
No least thing from my life can go, 
But something else is brought to me.

It is the Law, complete, sublime; 
And now, with Faith unshaken, 
In patience I but bide my time
When any joy is taken.

No matter if the crushing blow
May for the moment down me, 
Still, back of it waits Love, I know
With some new gift to crown me.

1. The Birth of the Orchid
2. The Black Charger
3. All the World
4. At Set of Sun
5. The Call (All wantonly in hours of joy)

John McCrae Recompense ("I saw two sowers in Life’s field at morn")

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