Classic Poem

If through strong strife of mine, my life may shine forth purer,
So that these prayers may fly with steadier flight and surer
Towards God's high throne for thee,
Why then the strife is worth mine uttermost endurance,—
If only so I gain some inward sweet assurance
That thou hast grown in spirit, and grown through me.

If only one strong prayer of mine has brought thee nearer
To happiness and heaven, and made the blue sky clearer
For thee, or lightened pain,
Why then, though weary I am, and heavy at heart, full often,
Gazing at life and death with eyes that seldom soften,
I have not lived, and have not loved, in vain.