Winter Rain
Falling upon the frozen world last night,
I heard the slow beat of the Winter rain
Poor foolish drops, down-dripping all in vain;
The ice-bound Earth but mocked their puny might,
Far better had the fixedness of white
And uncomplaining snowswhich make no sign,
But coldly smile, when pitying moonbeams shine
Concealed its sorrow from all human sight.
Long, long ago, in blurred and burdened years,
I learned the uselessness of uttered woe.
Though sinewy Fate deals her most skilful blow,
I do not waste the gall now of my tears,
But feed my pride upon its bitter, while
I look straight in the world's bold eyes, and smile.
Poems by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
