Classic Poem

While the priest said " perpetua luceat , "
Sprinkling the palms that graced a maiden's bier,
I felt a light stream in upon my soul;
And one that near me in the chancel sate,
Who was to the departed soul most dear,
Saw the same light, as my hand softly stole
To hers, and suddenly a glory played
Around those palms that seemed to check my breath;
Even as he prayed for light the darkness fled
To both of us: I looked into her eyes,
And saw through tears a raptured look that said —
A strength new-born doth in my spirit rise,
And though before me lies my sister dead,
I also feel the life that lives in death.