Recompense

Straight through my heart this fact to-day,
 By Truth’s own hand is driven:
God never takes one thing away,
 But something else is given.

I did not know in earlier years,
 This law of love and kindness;
I only mourned through bitter tears
 My loss, in sorrow’s blindness.

But, ever following each regret
 O’er some departed treasure,
My sad repining heart was met
 With unexpected pleasure.

I thought is only happened so;
 But time this truth taught me –
No least thing from my life can go,
 But something else is brought to me.

It is the Law, complete, sublime;
 And now, with Faith unshaken,
In patience I but bide my time
 When any joy is taken.

No matter if the crushing blow
 May for the moment down me,
Still, back of it waits Love, I know
 With some new gift to crown me.