Classic Poem

What matter if my words will be
As weak as weeds upon the sea,
Be sure of this, that they will show
Which way my tides of loving flow.

I watch you lift away a mask
From every drudging household task;
And leaning down as to a cup,
You smile to sip the pleasure up.
Your days are soft confiding birds
That murmur to your secret words;
Till knowledge, sunken in your eyes,
Is eloquent how you are wise.
You wear your working like a song
That only girds your spirit strong;
Till draining joy from everything
You smile to give despair a wing.

Because your living is a prayer
To keep me whole and keep me fair;
Because your gentleness is such
To heal me at the slightest touch;
Because at last I learned how true
Kindliness globes itself in you;
Because you made it clear to me
What beauty sacrifice could be;
No beauty I can ever find
Can match the beauty of your mind.