There is no light in any path of Heaven,
—Every star is folded in dark sleep;
The clouds hang heavily, the moon is hidden,
—How will she know the road her soul must keep?

She did not ask for heavenly palaces,
—A little human home was her desire;
The intimate, close touch of human hands—
—To love and watch beside a human fire.

As tears will be remembrance in her heart
—If she recall her lamp's familiar light,
And as a sword vain pity in her heart
—If she should hear her children's cry to-night.

Ah Mary, Mother, stand by Heaven's gate
—And watch the road for one who comes to find
In loneliness and fear what Heaven holds
—To comfort her who leaves the earth behind.