NOVEMBER’S GLOOM
With chill November mist in darkened air,
With hearts of men imbued with doubt and gloom;
And in the wide, wide world no couch, no room;
No rest for weary feet; with friends unfair,
Or cannot understand, nor yet can bear
To bring one bud of friendship’s failing bloom;
Affection gone that once hailed bride and groom—
Ah then, ’tis triumph true, or death’s despair.
And yet November’s night of gloom and grief
Hath unseen power to bring sweet trust,
If men but turn their minds of unbelief
To One whose name is Love, whose ways are just;
Then be the battle sharp and long, or brief,
The soul is safe, that sings, “I can and must.”