Edith Wharton

Here you will find the Poem Patience of poet Edith Wharton

Patience

PATIENCE and I have traveled hand in hand 
So many days that I have grown to trace 
The lines of sad, sweet beauty in her face, 
And all its veiled depths to understand. 

Not beautiful is she to eyes profane; 
Silent and unrevealed her holy charms;
But, like a mother's, her serene, strong arms 
Uphold my footsteps on the path of pain. 

I long to cry, -- her soft voice whispers, 'Nay!' 
I seek to fly, but she restrains my feet; 
In wisdom stern, yet in compassion sweet, 
She guides my helpless wanderings, day by day. 

O my Beloved, life's golden visions fade, 
And one by one life's phantom joys depart; 
They leave a sudden darkness in the heart, 
And patience fills their empty place instead.