Page:An anthology of Australian verse (IA anthologyofaustr00stev).pdf/100

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NOT UNDERSTOOD

Not understood! How trifles often change us! The thoughtless sentence or the fancied slightDestroys long years of friendship, and estrange us, And on our souls there falls a freezing blight;      Not understood.
Not understood! How many breasts are aching For lack of sympathy! Ah! day by dayHow many cheerless, lonely hearts are breaking! How many noble spirits pass away,      Not understood.
O God! that men would see a little clearer, Or judge less harshly where they cannot see!O God! that men would draw a little nearer To one another,—they’d be nearer Thee,      And understood.

SPIRIT OF SONG

Where is thy dwelling-place? Echo of sweetness, Seraph of tenderness, where is thy home?Angel of happiness, herald of fleetness, Thou hast the key of the star-blazon’d dome.    Where lays that never end    Up to God’s throne ascend,And our fond heart-wishes lovingly throng,    Soaring with thee above,    Bearer of truth and love,Teacher of heaven’s tongue—Spirit of Song!

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