Sympathy [poem by L. E. Homfray]

[Editor: This poem by L. E. Homfray was published in Australians, Awake! And Other Poems (1915).]

Sympathy.

Because of one dear infant head,
With curls of shining gold,
And little lips, now hushed for aye,
And hands so still and cold.

Because of one fair smiling face,
With eyes of wondrous blue,
All childish voices fill my soul,
With love divine and true.

Because of one dear bended head,
And steps so feeble grown,
For all old age my heart would now
A lowly reverence own.

Because of one dear loved one’s shame
Who fell amid the fight,
My yearning spirit longs to guide
All erring souls aright.

From out the depth of silent grief
My heart goes out to all,
Who standing in temptation’s path,
With weary footsteps fall.

Thus for the sake of one dear soul,
I can but pity feel,
And for each weak and erring heart,
In tender love appeal.

Source:
L. E. Homfray, Australians, Awake! And Other Poems, Sydney: D. S. Ford, [1915?], page 16

Editor’s notes:
aye = always, forever