Classic Poem

I AM jealous: I am true:
Sick at heart for love of you,
— O my share of the world!
I am cold, O, cold as stone
To all men save you alone.

Seven times slower creeps the day
When your face is far away.
— O my share of the world!
Seven times darker falls the night.
When you gladden not my sight.

Measureless my joy and pride
Would you choose me for your bride,
— O my share of the world!
For your face is my delight,
Morn and even, noon and night.

To the dance and to the wake
Still I go but for your sake,
— O my share of the world!
Just to see your face awhile,
Meet your eyes and win your smile.

And the gay word on my lip
Never lets my secret slip
— To my share of the world!
Light my feet trip over the green —
But my heart cries in the keen!

My poor mother sighs anew
When my looks go after you,
— O my share of the world!
And my father's brow grows black
When you smile and turn your back.

I would part with wealth and ease,
I would go beyond the seas,
— For my share of the world!
I would leave my hearth and home
If he only whispered " Come! "

Houseless under sun and dew,
I would beg my bread with you,
— O my share of the world!
Houseless in the snow and storm,
Your heart's love would keep me warm.

I would pray and I would crave
To be with you in the grave,
— O my share of the world!
I would go through fire and flood,
I would give up all but God
— For my share of the world!