We know that when the clouds look darkest
And spread their shade around
If we could look beyond the portals,
The sunshine would be found.
And when the storm beats o’er us fiercely,
Crushing our flowers to earth
That when the tempest’s reign is over
They will have fairer birth.
So, when life’s cares almost o’erwhelm us,
And we sink down dismayed,
When hope’s fair promises all fail us,
And – even trust betrayed –
Fairer for having been o’ershadowed,
Our blessings will shine forth
After the storm is over. Its coming
Has proved true friendship’s worth.
– John Godfrey Saxe