Understood

Out of the ruck and the roar of life He stepped aside to rest one day, And the flowers that grew along the way Lifted him out of the wearisome strife That had claimed his every waking thought For years ... and a miracle had been wrought!

"Why have I never seen the rose Just as a rose before?" asked he. "Always its cost was the point to me, And not its sweetness! Do you suppose That all these years--how long, God knows!-- I really have not understood the rose?"

Walking along the quiet street He noted a sick and fretting child; And he waved his hand and paused and smiled Till the baby laughed--and its laugh was sweet. His eyes were dim as his hand he kissed To the child, and he whispered, "And that I have missed!"

To the end of the day that was full of care The song in his heart was strong and new, And the woman who loved him heard it too: "Now that his soul is awake, I dare Hope that he understands me," she said; But I fear he didn't--until he was dead!