Bright as the Sunshine After Showers

When the heart lies crushed 'neath a load of sorrow,
When life's broad river moves sad and slow;
When hope is lost in a dread to-morrow,
Where all is worry and weight and woe;
When hands reject the cross they carry,
When feet would falter and strength would fail,
When better days seem bound to tarry;
Eyes grow tearful and lips grow pale.

When even the pleasantest hours are dreary,
And each new effort is like despair;
When we are so worn and weak and weary,
We fain would yield to the cruel care;
Bright as the sunshine after showers,
The smile of a friend illumes the way;
Strewing the rugged path with flowers,
Turning the even-tide to day.