Ruth Harwood

From “Working-hour Songs”

ALWAYS and always

I go out from myself

In the silver morning,

Out to greet some new friend,

With my arms laden with friendship gifts

And a hundred little songs of gladness on my lips.

Always and always

I return to myself

In the purple twilight—

Back to the comforting sureness of myself,

To fill my empty arms again with gifts,

To ease the little hurt my heart has brought.