Be Patient

They are such dear familiar feet that go
Along the path with ours--feet fast or slow
But trying to keep pace; if they mistake
Or tread upon some flower that we would take
Upon our breast, or bruise some reed,
Or crush poor hope until it bleed,
We must be mute;
Not turning quickly to impute
Grave fault: for they and we
Have such a little way to go, can be
Together such a little while upon the way--
We must be patient while we may.

So many little faults we find.
We see them for not blind
Is love. We see them, but if you and I
Perhaps remember them, some by and by,
They will not be
Faults then, grave faults, to you and me,
But just odd ways, mistakes, or even less--
Remembrances to bless.
Days change so many things, yes, hours;
We see so differently in sun and showers!
Mistaken words tonight
May be so cherished by tomorrow's light--
We shall be patient, for we know
There's such a little way to go.

--George Klingle