Classic Poem

To ———

'T IS a world of silences. I gave a cry
 In the first sorrow my heart could not withstand;
I saw men pause, and listen, and look sad,
As though an answer in their hearts they had;
 Some turned away, some came and took my hand,
For all reply.

I stood beside a grave. Years had passed by;
 Sick with unanswered life I turned to death,
And whispered all my question to the grave,
And watched the flowers desolately wave,
 And grass stir on it with a fitful breath,
For all reply.

I raised my eyes to heaven; my prayer went high
 Into the luminous mystery of the blue;
My thought of God was purer than a flame
And God it seemed a little nearer came,
 Then passed; and greater still the silence grew,
For all reply.

But you! If I can speak before I die,
 I spoke to you with all my soul, and when
I look at you 'tis still my soul you see.
Oh, in your heart was there no word for me?
 All would have answered had you answered then
With even a sigh.