WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN by Marion Harland

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 16, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 36.

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN.

By Marion Harland

I MIGHT have said a word of cheer Before I let him go. His weary visage haunts me yet; But how could I foreknow The slightest chance would be the last To me in mercy given? My utmost yearnings cannot send That word from earth to heaven.

I might have looked the love I felt; My brother had sore need Of that which—too shy and proud— He lacked the speech to plead. But self is near, and self is strong, And I was blind that day; He sought within my careless eyes, And went, athirst, away.

O word, and look, and clasp withheld! O brother heart, now stilled! Dear life, forever out of reach, I might have warmed and filled! Talents misused and seasons lost, O'er which I mourn in vain— A waste as barren to my tears As desert sands to rain!

Ah, friend, whose eyes to-day may look Love into living eyes, Whose tone and touch perchance may thrill Sad hearts with sweet surprise, Be instant, like your Lord, in love, And lavish as his grace With light and dew and manna fall, For night comes on apace. —Marion Harland.