Resignation

I thought in life to meet with Happiness,
And when, instead, Grief met me by the way
Most strange and bitter words I found to say;
But still I thought, through all the strain and stress
Of sorrowful living, — through my life's excess
Of grief and loss, — " Pain shall not always stay,
And fair may be the closing of my day;
Clear light and quiet may my evening bless!"

Then Happiness was shown me like the sun, —
One flash and glory of triumphant light
Lit all my sky: but swiftly came the night
With waste winds wailing on the dead day's track;
And I am silent, now the day is done,
Knowing no words can bring its lost light back.