San Lorenzo Giustiniani's Mother

I had not seen my son's dear face     (He chose the cloister by God's grace)         Since it had come to full flower-time.         I hardly guessed at its perfect prime,     That folded flower of his dear face.     Mine eyes were veiled by mists of tears     When on a day in many years         One of his Order came. I thrilled,         Facing, I thought, that face fulfilled.     I doubted, for my mists of tears.     His blessing be with me for ever!     My hope and doubt were hard to sever.         -That altered face, those holy weeds.         I filled his wallet and kissed his beads,     And lost his echoing feet for ever.     If to my son my alms were given     I know not, and I wait for Heaven.         He did not plead for child of mine,         But for another Child divine,     And unto Him it was surely given.     There is One alone who cannot change;     Dreams are we, shadows, visions strange;         And all I give is given to One.         I might mistake my dearest son,     But never the Son who cannot change.