Our Own

Our Own

*

If I had known in the morning

How wearily all the day

The words unkind

Would trouble my mind

I said when you went away,

I had been more careful, Darling,

Nor given you needless pain,

But we vex "our own"

With look and tone

We may never take back again.

*

For though in the quiet evening

You may give me the kiss of peace,

Yet it might be

That never for me

The pain of the heart should cease.

How many go forth in the morning,

That never come home at night!

And hearts have broken

From harsh words spoken,

That sorrow can ne'er set right.

*

We have careful thoughts for the stranger,

And smiles for the transient guest,

But oft for "our own"

The bitter tone,

Though we love "our own" the best.

Ah, lips with the curve impatient!

Ah, brow with the look of scorn!

'Twere a cruel fate,

Were the night too late

To undo the work of morn.

*

------(author to be listed when found)