VIA DOLOROSA

The days of a man are threescore years and ten.

The days of his life were half a man's, whom we

Lament, and would yet not bid him back, to be

Partaker of all the woes and ways of men.

Life sent him enough of sorrow: not again

Would anguish of love, beholding him set free,

Bring back the beloved to suffer life and see

No light but the fire of grief that scathed him then.

We know not at all: we hope, and do not fear.

We shall not again behold him, late so near,

Who now from afar above, with eyes alight

And spirit enkindled, haply toward us here

Looks down unforgetful yet of days like night

And love that has yet his sightless face in sight.