If Love Were All

    If Love were all, how dark the world!
        What sorrow for the stricken heart!
            If Love were all, with Love grown cold -
            No tempest raging bleak and bold,
    Its icy fury ever hurled
        As madly as the storms that dart
            Across the soul when Love is dead.
            Poor soul, on bitter passion fed,
            Seeing in Earth or Heaven - no bliss,
            When Love has died in Love's last kiss.
    If Love were all!

    If Love were all, how fair the earth!
        What joy in every heart-throb here!
            If Love were all, and Love were kind,
            Love's message, blown on every wind,
    Thrilling the soul, would give small worth
        To cringing caution, or the jeer
            Of those who murmur "Love must die"
            When Love's alight from eye to eye,
            Life is a happy holiday.
            "Where's Winter?" Ah, 'twere ever May,
    If Love were all!

Helen Leah Reed

Helen Leah Reed (1860-1926) was an American author and poet, renowned for her contributions to children's literature and her historical novels. She was an influential literary figure of her time, often remembered for her stories that blended education with entertainment. Reed's works reflected her deep knowledge and interest in history, making her a notable figure in early 20th-century American literature.

Helen Leah Reed

Trimming

Helen Leah Reed, Simple Poetry

Cassandra

Helen Leah Reed, Simple Poetry

The Shrieking Woman At Marblehead

Helen Leah Reed, Simple Poetry

To Apollo. I-31 (From The Odes Of Horace)

Helen Leah Reed, Simple Poetry

English

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