Wasted Loves.
What does God do with all the wasted loves1
He sees thrown down ? The friendships strangely changed,2
(How, none know wholly), answering eyes estranged,3
And grasping hands transformed to empty gloves !4
—The pleading words which cannot win reply5
Save scoff or silence, and the kindly deeds6
Which fall on stony ground or choke in weeds
!7
—The withered hopes of which strong hearts may die !—8
How can God suffer these ? With gentle might9
He claims these wasted loves as His by right,10
And some day we shall find them in His care,11
When stunted shoots to stately blooms have grown,12
—Nor shall their beauty be for us alone,13
The hands which threw them down shall have their share !14