Orphan
Have you known the loneliness
Of a child forlorn?.
Have you felt the hopelessness
Of a child, (rough-torn
From the careful love of mother
And the shelter of a father),
Friendlessly withdrawn?.
Some have known such loneliness
Since their first milk-tooth;
They have felt that hopelessness,
Borne the bitter ruth
Of an orphan’s constant anguish;
They’ve learned how scorned hearts can languish:
Torments hard to soothe.
If you have an innocent –
Whether girl or boy –
Do not let that life be spent
Other than in joy.
Needless loads of cruel sorrows
Only worsen bleak tomorrows:
And young lives destroy.
If you know of any child
Suffering despair,
Will you not neglect to shield
But, with loving care,
Lure hope through that hurt heart’s rubble?.
Each kind thought helps make dire trouble
Easier to bear.
