Classic Poem

I from my window looked at early dawning,
The sweet breeze stirred and kissed my face;
O, glad is every heart, I thought on this fair morning,
Earth seemed so restful in the morn's embrace.

In grateful attitude I stood imploring,
Sufficient strength for daily care,
My heart was pained at sight of badge of mourning,
That from my neighbor's door, swayed on the air.

It told me the " unbidden guest " had entered,
And claimed the darling of that fold,
In whom their blasted hopes had once been centered,
Life evermore within that home was drear and cold .

I sought the mother in affliction's hour,
My solace offered in her sore distress;
I pointed to the Christ, the only power
To cheer the heart bereft and comfortless.

And in my heart's great deep I pitied her,
Who, though bereft could sympathetic be:
Our mutual tears were shed — I childless was —
And in her inmost soul SHE pitied me!