If Your Soul Were In My Soul’s Stead

[Sister Alvear]

If Your Soul Were In My Soul’s Stead

If your soul were in my soul’s stead
I sometimes wonder what you would do
Could you live so unconcerned and care-free
If you were me and I perchance, were you?

If your heart felt the pain that my heart feels,
Would contentment always show on your face?
Would your words flow ever on so cheerfully
As you met up with the trials of life’s race?

If your eyes wept the tears that my eyes shed,
It seems to me that your skies would not appear so blue;
The sun would hide behind a cloud of sadness,
And the rosy sunsets would take on a darker hue.

If your feet walked over paths that mine have trod
And knew the thorns and rugged rocks along the way.
I wonder if your step would be so lighthearted,
As you traveled on from day to day.

I would not wish upon you all my sorrow,
But try to understand at least, just how I feel.
So that you can better help to bear my burden,
When before the throne of God you kneel.
(Dorothy Alvear)