Have You Passed Through the Valley?

By Grace Zenor Pratt

Have you passed through the valley of deep despair
You, with your smile and fair, sweet face?
Have you faced the caverns that bear no light,
Have you glimpsed the pain of an endless night?
And your soul, has it fought its battle there?
Have you passed through the valley?

Have you passed through the valley of broken faith?
You, who are trusting, you who are loved!
Ah, many have trusted and been deceived,
Many have loved and been bereaved;
Idols have fallen, souls laid bare —
Passed with me through the valley.

Have you with your sunshine, lingered there?
God grant no sorrow may come to thee —
For the sunshine dims in a darkened place,
Even flowers that smile forget their grace,
Ah, souls are tried for their infinite worth,
As they pass through the valley.

Have you passed through the valley of discontent?
Have you suffered and left your sorrow there?
You would know the glory of sun-kissed height,
The peace in the knowledge that God is right;
Ah, there is sweetness in faith renewed,
When one has passed through the valley.

(1920)