Classic Poem

Why sits pale Sorrow at the gate of Heaven,
With eyes so wan, such wild and haggard air,
As one whose woe with God's own arm had striven
And won the triumph of a wild despair?

Crouched where the shadow of the marble portal
Falls deep and deeper on her clouded eyes,
Speeding with wail and cry the feet immortal
That enter there the walks of Paradise!

Angel of Faith! shall sullen sorrow render
Thy smile a mockery to the hearts that mourn?
Deepen the gloom, yet not reveal the splendor
Where saints depart and seraphim are born?

Star of our souls! what other light shall linger
When on our hearts the tomb's dark shadow falls,
If thou trace not with thy uplifted finger
The gathering glory on its inner walls?

And thou! on thine own gentle bosom blending
The broken lilies of our tears and love,
Lighten the pathway where our feet are tending,
Lengthen the cords that guide our hearts above!