Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Recompense

Straight through my heart this fact to-day,
   By Truth’s own hand is driven:
God never takes one thing away,
   But something else is given.
 
I did not know in earlier years,
   This law of love and kindness;
I only mourned through bitter tears
   My loss, in sorrow’s blindness.
 
But, ever following each regret
   O’er some departed treasure,
My sad repining heart was met
   With unexpected pleasure.
 
I thought it only happened so;
   But Time this truth has taught me—
No least thing from my life can go,
   But something else is brought me.
 
It is the Law, complete, sublime;
   And now with Faith unshaken,
In patience I but bide my time.
   When any joy is taken.
 
No matter if the crushing blow
   May for the moment down me,
Still, behind it waits Love, I know,
   With some new gift to crown me.
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