Discover the Poignant Reflection of Anne Reeve Aldrich in 'Fraternity' ✨

I ASK not how thy suffering came, <br />Or if by sin, or if by shame, <br />Or if by Fate’s capricious rulings: <br />To my large pity all’s the same. <br /> <br />Come close and lean against a heart <br />Eaten by pain and stung by smart; <br />It is enough if thou hast suffered,— <br />Brother or sister then thou art. <br /> <br />We will not speak of what we know, <br />Rehearse the pang, nor count the throe, <br />Nor ask what agony admitted <br />Thee to the Brotherhood of Woe. <br /> <br />But in our anguish-darkened land <br />Let us draw close, and clasp the hand; <br />Our whispered password holds assuagement,— <br />The solemn “Yea, I understand!”<br /><br />Anne Reeve Aldrich<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/fraternity-2/