Hungering Hearts

Some hearts go hungering thro' the world
  And never find the love they seek.
Some lips with pride or scorn are curled
  To hide the pain they may not speak.
The eyes may flash, the mouth may smile--
And yet beneath them all the while
  The hungering heart is pining still.

For them does life's dull desert hold
  No fountain's shade, no gardens fair,
Nor gush of waters clear and cold,
  But sandy reaches wide and bare.
The foot may fail, the soul may faint,
  And weigh to earth the weary frame,
Yet still they make no weak complaint
  And speak no word of grief or blame.

O eager eyes, which gaze afar,
  O arms which clasp the empty air,
Not all unmarked your sorrows are,
  Not all unpitied your despair.
Smile, patient lips, so proudly dumb--
  Have Faith! Before life's tent is furled
Your recompense shall come,
  O hearts that hunger through the world!

--Author Unknown