<h2 id="id00188" style="margin-top: 4em">THE UNKNOWING</h2>
<p id="id00189">If the bird knew how through the wintry weather<br/>
An empty nest would swing by day and night,<br/>
It would not weave the strands so close together<br/>
Or sing for such delight.<br/></p>
<p id="id00190">And if the rosebud dreamed e'er its awaking<br/>
How soon its perfumed leaves would drift apart,<br/>
Perchance 'twould fold them close to still the aching<br/>
Within its golden heart.<br/></p>
<p id="id00191">If the brown brook that hurries through the grasses<br/>
Knew of drowned sailors—and of storms to be—<br/>
Methinks 'twould wait a little e'er it passes<br/>
To meet the old grey sea.<br/></p>
<p id="id00192">If youth could understand the tears and sorrow,<br/>
The sombre days that age and knowledge bring,<br/>
It would not be so eager for the morrow<br/>
Or spendthrift of the spring.<br/></p>
<p id="id00193">If love but learned how soon life treads its measure,<br/>
How short and swift its hours when all is told,<br/>
Each kiss and tender word 'twould count and treasure,<br/>
As misers count their gold.<br/></p>
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