Katherine Gillard, "Just a Little Tired" (1916)
Just a little tired, waiting
Through the night
For the new day to be breaking
Into light.
Just a little tired, yearning
For the blast
In the land of no returning
God-and rest.
Just a little tired, trying
Yet again–
To smile and cease the crying
Through the pain.
Just a little tired, bending
“Neath the rod,
Though the rough, bleak way is wending
Up to God.
Just a little tired, facing
Blows that fall
Unexpected; tired placing
Trust in all.
Just a little tired, falling–
Blund’ring here.
Ideals gone beyond recalling
Friends once dear.
Just a little tired, waiting
Through the night
For the new morn to be breaking
Clear and bright.
Published in The Crisis. March 1916