Silences
Arthur O'Shaughnessy
1844 to 1881
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'Tis a world of silences. I gave a cry
the first sorrow my heart could not withstand;
saw men pause, and listen, and look sad,
though an answer in their hearts they had;
Some away, some came and took my hand,
For reply.
I stood beside a grave. Years had passed by;
Sick with unanswered life I turned to death,
And whispered all my question to the grave,
watched the flowers desolately wave,
And grass stir it with a fitful breath,
For all reply.
raised my eyes to heaven; my prayer went high
Into the luminous mystery of the blue;
My of God was purer than a flame
And it seemed a little nearer came,
Then passed; greater still the silence grew,
For all reply.
you! If I can speak before I die,
spoke to you with all my soul, and when
I look at you 'tis still my soul you see.
Oh, in your heart was there no word me?
All would have answered had you answered
With even a sigh.