The Long Way

Still the old paths and the old solitude.
And still the dark soul journeying on its way,
A little nearer to its goal each day.
About it does an awful silence brood.
Nor may it know what dread vicissitude
Shall overwhelm it, ere of it men say:
"It is not; and the place of its dismay
Shall know it never more, and this is good."

"But, ah, poor Soul, how long? " I questioning cry.
"Already thou hast journeyed very long,
By barren ways, beneath a dumb, dark sky.
Once light was with thee, yea, and birds made song,
And voices cheered thee; but of all that throng
What voice to thy voice shall to-day reply?"