Classic Poem

The time must come, I know, when we shall part —
All ties must sever;
This golden zone, enclasping heart to heart,
Must snap and shiver.
But doth yon deep, dark stream, part evermore?
Or shall we meet and greet on that far shore,
Beyond the river?

If we shall meet — oh! would that I knew how!
In saintly blessing?
Or shall we stand as we are standing now —
Mutely caressing?
Is yonder life but this grown rich and grand?
Or is humanity left on the strand —
Dropped in undressing?

Oh would I knew! The misty clouds that lie
Those waters over.
Still darkly droop, still mock my straining eye,
Still thickly hover.
I call and question. Silence hath no tone.
In vain I ask how shall I meet my own —
As friend or lover?

Love is so precious, life so frail and fleet!
Hearts bleed and quiver;
Tears wet the prints of dear departing feet,
Gone hence forever.
Parting is bitter. If I could but know
That thou wilt be to me the same as now,
Beyond the river!

Is love eternal? Still yon sullen cloud
Answers me never.
In vain I plead; it folds its sable shroud,
Silent forever.
But I shall know. 'Tis useless to contend
With shadows; yet all doubt shall have an end
Beyond the river.