Description
Edward Carpenter was a British poet, socialist, and LGBT activist. He published "To A Stranger" in his book Towards Democracy. In the poem, he addresses a presumably queer person telling them that eventually their love will be recognized.
Text
O faithful eyes, day after day as I see and how
you--unswerving faithful and beautiful--going about your
ordinary work unnoticed,
I have noticed--I do not forget you.
I know the truth the tenderness the courage, I know
the longings hidden quiet there.
Go right on. Have good faith yet--keep that your
unseen treasure untainted.
Many shall bless you. To many yet, though no word
be spoken, your face shall shine as a lamp.
It shall be remembered, and that which you have
desired--in silence--shall come abundantly to you.
Page numbers in original volume
166
