Classic Poem

WRITTEN UNDER THE NAME OF A YOUNG LADY, IN AN ALBUM, SOON AFTER HER DEATH .

This name recalls the far-fled hours,
Ere yet my heart had throbb'd with care;
When round my feet were thornless flow'rs,
And life was new, and all was fair.

And sadden'd memory tells me thou
Wert then beloved, in youthful bloom,
And innocent and happy — now
Where art thou? In yon silent tomb!

We bloom to fade! — we're born to die!
'Tis His decree who being gave;
But Faith exulting points on high,
And bids us triumph o'er the grave!

Thou faded flow'r! why weep for thee?
'Tis wrong, 'tis selfish to lament —
God's mandate set thy spirit free;
Death was the messenger He sent.

He bore thee to those realms of rest,
By angel footsteps only trod;
A seraph-form forever blest
Thou stand'st before the throne of God.

And yet we mourn — from yon high spheres
Oh! canst thou not a balm impart,
To dry thine anguish'd mother's tears?
To bind thy father's broken heart?

Yes, at the noiseless noon of night,
When slumber lulls th' unceasing pain,
Sweet spirit! come in visions bright,
And whisper " We will meet again! "

" Your child hath flown to realms above,
" Where soon we'll meet no more to sever;
" But happy in a Saviour's love,
" Dwell there forever and forever! "