Reconciliation

As one who, wandering in a weary land
Alone, where thorns and briers beset the way,
And clouds and darkness have overcome the day,
Suddenly feels from out the dark a hand
In his, and hears a voice of mild command
At which the clouds disperse, the sunshine gay
Returns, and all within his heart is May
As forth he goes unto some happy strand,--

So I, in darkness groping, hear your voice
Again, and feel your hand in mine,
(For what is distance to true hearts that love?)
And all my darkness ends, for at the sign
Of your forgiveness I once more rejoice
And feel sweet Peace descending like a dove.