Not Forever

We—who suffer here,

We suffer not in vain.

We—who toil here,

We toil not forever.

“To love is to suffer”

It is said. Take hope,

‘Tis true—but not forever.

If we do suffer thus,

In happiest, safest love,

How much more, oh Lord

Must those who live in

Daily agony of fear

For life of those,

Their Life, their Loves.

Hear us, Lord—your people,

Suffering!

Do you suffer with us?

See us, Lord—your people,

Waiting,

Do we wait in vain?