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.