English poem
Not Understanding
by Ethel Watts Mumford (1878–1940)
Because you do not understand, 1I open all my heart to you; 1Tell all the things I hope to do, And all the dreams my heart has planned. With eyes serene you wisely nod— 1Because you do not understand.
Because you do not understand, 1I tell you of my love and hate, 1My sorrow and my fear of fate; That which I crave and know is banned. You smile with wise, unseeing eyes— 1Because you do not understand.
Because you do not understand, 1I tell you of my grief and care. 1It adds no jot to what you bear; You are too simply, singly planned. I ease my whole sick soul to you— 1Because—you cannot understand!