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 CARING AND GENTLE;

AND I WOULD GIVE YOU GLADNESS FOR A SPACE;

I WOULD HAVE BROUGHT WARMTH INTO THE PLACE;

IF I HAD KNOWN.

IF I HAD KNOWN WHAT THOUGHTS DESPAIRING DREW YOU;

(WHY DO WE NEVER UNDERSTAND?)

I WOULD HAVE LENT A LITTLE FRIENDSHIP TO YOU;

AND SLIPPED MY HAND WITHIN YOUR HAND;

AND MADE YOU STAY MORE PLEASANT IN THE LAND

IF I HAD KNOWN.