Sheoaks that Sigh when the Wind is Still

WHY ARE the sheoaks forever sighing? / (Sheoaks that sigh when the wind is still) -- / Why are the dead hopes forever dying? / (Dead hopes that died and are with us still.) / As you make it and what you will.

Why are the ridges forever waiting? / Ridges that waited ere one man came, / Still by the towns with their life vibrating / Lonely ridges that wait the same. / Ridges and gullies without a name.

Why is the strong heart forever peering / Into the future that speaks no ill? / Why is the kind heart forever cheering, / Even at times when the fears are still? / As you make it, and what you will.

Why is the distance forever drawing? / (The wide horizon is round us still! ) / Why is resentment forever gnawing / Against a world that may mean no ill? / Why are so many forever sawing / On strings that rasp and can never thrill -- Soothe or thrill? / As you make it, and what you will.