Classic Poem

A PLACE for me — one place for me,
Within the young wild heart be kept;
Howe'er Affection's chords may there
By other hands than mine be swept;
However unto Love's mad thrill
Their music may responsive be,
As now let sober Friendship still
Preserve one note — one place for me.

When thy bright spirit grave, or gay,
Some other chains delighted near,
To catch thy features' varying play,
And watch each lightning thought appear,
However thou his soul mayst touch,
Let him not wholly thine enthral
From one who ever loved so much
To chase its meteor windings all.

When 'mid some scene where Nature flings
Her loveliest enchantments round,
And in thy kindling soul upsprings
Thoughts which no mortal breast can bound,
Or when upon some deathless page
Thy mind communes with kindred mind,
Still let me there one thought engage,
And round thy soaring spirit wind.

When first the bride-like dawn is blushing
Within the arms of joyous Day,
Or when the twilight dews are hushing
His footsteps o'er the hills away,
When from the fretted vault above
God's ever burning lamps are hung,
And when in dreams of Heaven and love
His mercies are around thee flung.

A place for me — one place for me,
Within thy memory live enshrined,
Whatever idols Time may raise
Upon the altars of thy mind.
And while youth's hopes before me sweep,
Like bubbles on a freshening sea,
My bark of life shall ever keep
One sacred berth for thee — for thee.