LINES FOR AN ALBUM

I would not trace the hackneyed phrase

Of shallow words and empty praise,

And prate of “peace” till one might think

My foolish pen was drunk with ink.

Nor will I here the wish express

Of “lasting love and happiness,”

And “cloudless skies” — for after all

“Into each life some rain must fall.”

— No. Keep the empty page below,

In my remembrance, white as snow —

Nor sigh to know the secret prayer

My spirit hand has written there.