Classic Poem

Long years have passed since first we met,
And changes sad we both have seen;
How many a radiant star hath set,
That cheered us with its ray serene!

I knew thee when thy bosom thrilled
Like a rich harp-string's gentle tone;
Thine eye with tenderest joy was filled,
As one soft glance would meet its own.

Yes, like a fragile lily fair,
She seemed around thy form to twine;
Those lips that breathed her heart-felt prayer
Awoke an answering chord in thine.

Days, weeks, and months flew swiftly by —
A pallid hue was on her cheek,
And from her breast the deep-drawn sigh
Told what to thee she could not speak.

In vain the balmy gales of spring
Return to fan her fevered brow;
In vain her own sweet warblers sing —
No mortal hand can save her now.

And as upon its mother's breast,
The babe is gently hushed to sleep;
Without a groan she sank to rest,
And thou, alas! art left to weep.

Yet in the solemn hour of night
When round thee floats the gentle air; —
She calls thee from yon worlds of light,
And whispers — thou shalt soon be there.

Thou hast one thought thy heart to cheer,
Though one by one earth's ties be riven;
Each sacred link death severs here,
Still closer drawn shall be in heaven.

Then brood not o'er the shadowy past,
For oh! it dark and drear must be;
Nor would I to oblivion cast
Those memories now so sweet to thee.

Yet I would humbly ask for thee,
That even may life's current flow;
That thine again may never be
To taste such bitterness of woe.