We Weep But Not

We weep but not like pagans weep:
   the doleful sorrows and mournful cries.
We weep but not like those sans hope:
   the empty pit within a thousand sighs.
No, our sorrow is a tempered sorrow,
   buoyed up by hope of endless shores.
Our sadness pauses to look up
   and catch a glimpse of Heaven's door.
And at that door all earthy sorrows will flee
   with but a single look at Jesus' face!
There thousands join in joyful song,
   where soon we'll be by grace!


~D. Benning

1 Thes. 4:13