Now and Afterward

Now, the sowing and the weeping,
Working hard and waiting long ;
Afterward, the golden reaping,
Harvest home and grateful song.

Now, the pruning, sharp, unsparing ;
Scattered blossom, bleeding shoot
Afterward, the plenteous bearing
Of the Master's pleasant fruit.

Now, the plunge, the briny burden,
Blind, faint gropings in the sea ;
Afterward, the pearly guerdon
That shall make the diver free.

Now, the long and toilsome duty
Stone by stone to carve and bring
Afterward, the perfect beauty
Of the palace of the King.

Now, the tuning and the tension,
Wailing mmors, discord strong ;
Afterward, the grand ascension
Of the Alleluia song.

Now, the spirit conflict-riven,
Wounded heart, unequal strife ;
Afterward, the triumph given,
And the victor's crown of life.

Now, the training, strange and lowly,
Unexplained and tedious now ;
Afterward, the service holy,
And the Master's' Enter thou !'