If I Had Known

If I had known what trouble you were bearing

What griefs were in the silence of your face

I would have been more gentle and caring

And tried to give you gladness for a space.

I would have brought more warmth into the place

If I had known.

If I had known what thoughts despairing drew you

(Why do we never try to understand?)

I would have lent a little friendship to you

And slipped my hand within your hand

And made your stay more pleasant in the land

If I had known.

–Mary Carolyn Davies