Classic Poem

With gentle patience that no man might boast
She does her daily task, year after year,
Meeting her worries as they come, she waits—
In her brave smile there is no sign of fear.
Putting behind her each white, little ghost
Of longings that were once so dear, so dear,
She lives her life to-day—to-day and here!

Not always speed those days on happy wings,
Not always from her heart trills out a song;
Sometimes it trembles on the tender lips,
Yet in the brave eyes courage lingers long.
Seeing—and understanding—still she sings
Nor feels that life has been all sad, all wrong—
To her a wondrous faith and strength belong.

Perhaps some day, the one who knows her best
Will know how through the storm and stress and strife
She stood steadfast through troubles multiplied,
When every day dull doubt and pain were rife.
Smothering all within her faithful breast
When he had turned his back on hope, on life—
She showed the quiet courage of a wife!