New Poems

Small is the trust

SMALL is the trust when love is green

In sap of early years;

A little thing steps in between

And kisses turn to tears.

Awhile--and see how love be grown

In loveliness and power!

Awhile, it loves the sweets alone,

But next it loves the sour.

A little love is none at all

That wanders or that fears;

A hearty love dwells still at call

To kisses or to tears.

Such then be mine, my love to give,

And such be yours to take:-

A faith to hold, a life to live,

For lovingkindness' sake:

Should you be sad, should you be gay,

Or should you prove unkind,

A love to hold the growing way

And keep the helping mind:-

A love to turn the laugh on care

When wrinkled care appears,

And, with an equal will, to share

Your losses and your tears.