Acceptance

Beside the doors of a keen-lighted hall I paused, and quite by chance I noticed Love Smiling and tall; And then I heard the whirling dance, And saw the dismal skies above. She called to me to know her yet again, And know her pale sad friend, Solemn with tears; Her friend was Pain. I moved away, but in the end Returned, fearing the empty years. And I, who thought to scoff, and had so planned, I took Love’s fevered arm, And felt Pain’s breath. I took Love’s hand, And kissed its shining palm, And saw beyond the silent face of Death.