ONE FACE I SEE

By Gilbert Parker

One face I see by thine whene'er I hold

Converse with things that are or things that were;

Whene'er I seek life's hidden folds to stir,

And watch the inner to the outer rolled.

Dost thou not know her, O beloved one?

Hast thou not felt her sunshine on thy face?

In me hast thou not learned some signs to trace

Of that dear soul who calleth me her son?

Such as I was that in thy countenance

Found favour, from her it was gathered most.

To my mad youth her gentle surveillance

Was like a watch-fire on a rock-bound coast.

She drew about me motherhood, and thou

Hast with Love's holy chrism touched my brow.