Love means more when life is hard
And choices lead to sacrifice,
And every passion has its price
In duties paid and windows barred.

Though I have loved for many years,
Love is still for me a spring
That will from stone sweet fragrance bring,
And make a garden of our tears.

The love of children, children’s children,
Flowing to the distant verge,
Flowing from the ancient urge
To make a home of wilderness,

Has been my joy, my inner dance
Of ecstasy, as day by day
I move the mountains in my way
And claim through love the gifts of chance