Analysis of Guerdon

Upon the white cheek of the Cherub Year
        I saw a tear.
Alas! I murmured, that the Year should borrow
        So soon a sorrow.
Just then the sunlight fell with sudden flame:
        A tear became
A wondrous diamond sparkling in the light –
        A beautiful sight.

Upon my soul there fell such woeful loss,
        I said, ‘The Cross
Is grievous for a life as young as mine.’
        Just then, like wine,
God’s sunlight shone from His high Heavens down;
        And lo! a crown
Gleamed in the place of what I thought a burden –
        My sorrow’s guerdon.