English poem
ON THE WIDE, WHITE ROAD
by Robert Winkworth Norwood (1874–1932)
The Question: Minstrel with a song On the wide, white road— Loafing with the lilies of the June— What makes you so strong Underneath your load, Lilting such a joyous little tune?
Tell me, little brother, What I want to know— Why your lips are tremulous with joy— Why you, like a mother, Soothe and love me so, As she used to when I was a boy.
All the way behind Fades into a dream Hideous with faces in the gloom; Phantom-terrors blind With a lurid gleam Glowing from Gehenna-gulfs of doom!
The Answer: Comrade, I will tell you How I laugh and sing, Loafing with the lilies by the way. Comrade, what befell you That you missed the King Crowned with purple pansies of the day?
Brother, Him I know— Lord of earth and star— Find Him with the ferns beside the pool; All the splendours grow Dim and fade afar, When He walks at shut of day and cool.
Fear not to address Him— Cosmic-Comrade He— Lonely for the love He wants from you! Up at once and bless Him— Lift a jubilee With the host of loyal hearts and true!