Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Sun Shadows

There never was success so nobly gained,
    Or victory so free from selfish dross
But in the winning some one had been pained
    Or some one suffered loss.

There never was so nobly planned a féte
    Or festal throng with hearts on pleasure bent
But some neglected one outside the gate
    Wept tears of discontent.

There never was a bridal morning fair
    With hope's blue skies and love's unclouded sun
For two fond hearts, that did not bring despair
    To some sad other one.