I saw fond lovers in that glow
That oft-times fades away too soon:
I saw and said, 'Their joy I know-
I, too, have had my honeymoon.'


A young expectant mother's gaze
Held earth and heaven within its scope:
My thoughts went back to holy days-
I said, 'I, too, have known that hope.'


I saw a stricken mother swayed
By sorrow's storm, like wind-blown grass:
I said, 'I, too, dismayed
Have seen the little white hearse pass.'


I saw a matron rich with years
Walk radiantly beside her mate:
I blessed them, and said through my tears,
'I, too, have known that high estate.'


I saw a woman swathed in black
So blind with grief she could not see:
I said, 'Not far need I look back-
I, too, have known Gethsemane.'


I saw a face so full of light,
It seemed with all God's truths to shine:
I said, 'I, too, have found my sight,
I, too, have touched the Fact Divine.'

More verses by Ella Wheeler Wilcox