The Reconciler

She knew but one desire, one single aim Consumed her days and robbed her nights of rest — To reconcile the two whom she loved best, Who, long estranged, yet of one household came; And while for this she strove, her gentle frame And tender heart were often sore distressed, For all her longing love and pain repressed Seemed but as fuel added to the flame.

But on that day of silence when she passed By unseen pathways to the distant spheres, What life had failed to do, death wrought at last, For they who through the long, embittered years Had spoken not, now stood with hands locked fast, And looked into each other's face with tears.