SHADE AND SUNSHINE.
INTO all lives some rain must fall,
Into all eyes some teardrops start,
Whether they fall as a gentle shower,
Or fall like fire from an aching heart.
Into all hearts must sorrow creep,
Into all souls some doubting come,
Lashing the waves of life's great deep
From dimpling waters to seething foam.
Over all paths some clouds must lower,
Under all feet some sharp thorns spring,
Tearing the flesh to cruel wounds,
Or pierce the heart with their bitter sting.
Upon all brows rough winds must blow,
Over all shoulders a cross be lain,
Bowing the form in its lofty height
Down to the dust in bitter pain.
Into all hands some duty's thrust,
Unto all arms some burden's given,
Crushing the heart with its dreary weight,
Or lifting the soul from earth to Heaven.
Into all hearts and homes and lives
God's dear sunlight comes streaming down,
Gilding the ruins of life's great plain,
Weaving for all a golden crown.
The Presbyterian.