Beside the Crib
You will learn to play your part in this brittle land
where love will always break your heart in some sad end,
bring you pain and care, make real your fears,
and yet still bear some hope and dry some tears
until death at last demands and takes away
all strength of heart and hand, and light of day.
So may you learn to weep without regret
from memories you keep and treasure yet;
for though the pain grow great and cheer grow small
your life will still be blessed, and worth it all.
