Lyrics of Lowly Life / by Paul Laurence Dunbar [electronic text]

AFTER WHILE.

A POEM OF FAITH.

I THINK that though the clouds be dark, That though the waves dash o'er the bark. Yet after while the light will come, And in calm waters safe at home The bark will anchor. Weep not, my sad-eyed, gray-robed maid. Because your fairest blossoms fade, That sorrow still o'erruns your cup, And even though you root them up, The weeds grow ranker.

For after while your tears shall cease, And sorrow shall give way to peace; The flowers shall bloom, the weeds shall die, And in that faith seen, by and by Thy woes shall perish. Smile at old Fortune's adverse tide, Smile when the scoffers sneer and chide. Oh, not for you the gems that pale, And not for you the flowers that fail; Let this thought cherish:

That after while the clouds will part, And then with joy the waiting heart Shall feel the light come stealing in, That drives away the cloud of sin And breaks its power. And you shall burst your chrysalis, And wing away to realms of bliss, Untrammelled, pure, divinely free, Above all earth's anxiety From that same hour.