English poem
Adversity
by Laurence Alma-Tadema (1865–1940)
Black winds of the world! There is pity in your breath, Against wild tempest weaponing.
Grey clouds of the sky! You are gentle in your shade, Against night-darkness tempering.
Red wounds of the heart! There is mercy in your blood, Against hope-murder hardening.
Pale swoons of the soul! You are tender in your pangs Against dire death emboldening.