Decreed

Into all lives some rain must fall,

Into all eyes some tear-drops start,

Whether they fall as gentle shower,

Or fall like fire from an aching heart.

Into all hearts some sorrow must creep,

Into all souls some doubtings come,

Lashing the waves of life's great

From dimpling waters to seething foam.

Over all paths some clouds must lower,

Under all feet some sharp thorns spring,

Tearing the flesh to bitter wounds,

Or entering the heart with their bitter sting.

Upon all brows rough winds must blow,

Over all shoulders a cross be lain,

Bowing the form in its lofty

Down to the dust in bitter pain.

Into all hands some duty's thrust;

Unto all arms some burden's given,

Crushing the heart with its weary weight,

Or lifting the soul from earth to heaven.

Into all hearts and homes and

God's dear sunlight comes streaming down,

Gilding the ruins of life's great plain--Weaving for all a golden crown.

Published in "The Humbler Poets:

A Collection of Newspaper and Periodical Verse, 1870 to 1885." Compiled by Slason Thompson.