Classic Poem

The road of pain and sorrow I pursue,
That so thine eyes may meet mine in the end: —
That thou mayst upward readily ascend,
My hair is wet with watching 'mid the dew
Of frequent nights; that thou mayst hasten through
The narrow gate, I stand beside and keep
My eyes, though heavy, from the aggressive sleep —
That I may aid thy toil with weapon true.

Because the gate is strait, I will be there, —
Ready to help thee, ready forth to fare
That I may bring thy steps along the road:
Because the path is terrible and dire
I straightway seek it — with redoubled fire —
Secure that it conducts towards Love's abode.