Patience (Wharton)

PATIENCE and I have traveled hand in hand So many days that I have grown to trace The lines of sad, sweet beauty in her face, And all its veiled depths to understand.

Not beautiful is she to eyes profane; Silent and unrevealed her holy charms; But, like a mother's, her serene, strong arms Uphold my footsteps on the path of pain.

I long to cry, -- her soft voice whispers, "Nay!" I seek to fly, but she restrains my feet; In wisdom stern, yet in compassion sweet, She guides my helpless wanderings, day by day.

O my Beloved, life's golden visions fade, And one by one life's phantom joys depart; They leave a sudden darkness in the heart, And patience fills their empty place instead.