Page:The whistle maker, and other poems (IA whistlemakerothe00rick).pdf/15

 

The man you meet is not the man you knew, Though bones and skin and the strong sinew Have held their place and the heart is true. I have builded [sic] much with bolt and screw; I'm a larger man than the man you knew.

I have suffered pain, I have had my loss, I have bowed my knees beneath my cross, I've served as hireling and been the boss, I've been rolling stone, I've gathered moss, I have sown good gold, and I've garnered dross.

I've battled power when my strength was weak; Talked when my heart was afraid to speak; I've sought when men forbade me seek; Been bold when they said I should be meek And I have worked a month to gain a week.

I believe in God and I trust His word He has fed me as He feeds a bird. But many have called my faith absurd— I know I've sinned and I know I've erred For flesh is weak and the sight is blurred.

But a better man, a man fairly true, Stands in the place of the man you knew, A man who has gained a broader view, Has found a work which he hopes to do And to be the man which you thought you knew. June 23, 1914. 