Phoebe Cary (September 4, 1824 – July 31, 1871) was an American poet, and the younger sister of poet Alice Cary (1820–1871).
The sisters co-published poems in 1849, and then each went on to publish volumes of her own. After their deaths in 1871, joint anthologies of the sisters’ unpublished poems were also compiled.
SUPPOSE
Phoebe Cary
Suppose, my little lady,
Your doll should break her head,
Could you make it whole by crying
Till your eyes and nose are red?
And would n’t it be pleasanter
To treat is as a joke;
And say you’re glad ”Twas Dolly’s
And not your head that broke?’
Suppose you’re dressed for walking,
And the rain comes pouring down,
Will it clear off any sooner
Because you scold and frown?
And wouldn’t it be nicer
For you to smile than pout,
And so make sunshine in the house
When there is none without?
Suppose your task, my little man,
Is very hard to get,
Will it make it easier
For you to sit and fret?
And wouldn’t it be wiser
Than waiting like a dunce,
To go to work in earnest,
And learn the thing at once?
Suppose that some boys had a horse,
And some a coach and pair,
Will it tire you less by walking
To say, ‘It is n’t fair?’
And would n’t it be nobler
To keep your temper sweet,
And in your heart be thankful
You can walk upon your feet?
And suppose the world don’t please you,
Nor the way some people do,
Do you think the whole creation
Will be altered just for you?
And is n’t it, my boy or girl,
The wisest, bravest plan,
Whatever comes, or does n’t come,
To do the best you can?
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TRUE LOVE
Phoebe Cary
I think true love is never blind,
But rather brings an added light,
An inner vision hid from common sight.
No soul can ever clearly see
Another’s highest, noblest part;
Save through the sweet philosophy
And loving wisdom of the heart.
Your unanoited eyes shall fall
On him who fills my world with light;
You do not see my friend at all;
You see what hides from your sight.
No soul can ever clearly see
Another’s highest, noblest part;
Save through the sweet philosophy
And loving wisdom of the heart
Your unanointed eyes shall fall
On him who fills my world with light;
You do not see my friend at all,
You see what hides him from your site.
I see the feet that fain would climb,
You but the steps that turn astray:
I see the soul the unharmed sublime;
You, but the garment, and the clay.
You see a mortal, weak, mislead,
Dwarfed ever by the earthly clod;
I see how manhood, perfected,
May reach the stature of a God.
Blinded I stood, as now you stand,
Till on mine eyes, with touches sweet,
Love, the deliverer, laid his hand,
And lo! I worship at his feet!