Classic Poem

Smiling serenely, as on earth she smil'd,
But those sweet eyes no longer tear-bedew'd,
She sat, invested with Heaven's sanctitude,
Amid the blissful bowers, happy and mild
And angel-like in gentleness; unchanged,
Save that the grief which weigh'd upon her breast
Had fled, and left her now entirely blest,
Earth's chain unloos'd, and free where'er she rang'd.

She still retain'd her spirit's playfulness;
With sweet and holy thoughts so calmly blended,
As spoke Heaven's peace upon her head descended,
And her brow wore no shadow of distress,
I saw her thus — the angels cherishing
Their long-belov'd, and welcoming her home,
And whispering her of pure joys yet to come,
And hopes eternal and unperishing.
I saw her smile upon them, and the band
Of fadeless flowers they laid upon her brow;
And heard her sigh, O happy, happy now,
Th' immortal airs my burning cheek have fann'd.
And those I left on earth, and wept to leave
Their ministering angel I awhile shall be;
But soon their wearied hearts shall cease to grieve,
And they will come to rapture and to me.

Smiling serenely, as on earth she smil'd,
But those sweet eyes no longer tear-bedew'd,
She sat, invested with Heaven's sanctitude,
Amid the blissful bowers, happy and mild
And angel-like in gentleness; unchanged,
Save that the grief which weigh'd upon her breast
Had fled, and left her now entirely blest,
Earth's chain unloos'd, and free where'er she rang'd.

She still retain'd her spirit's playfulness;
With sweet and holy thoughts so calmly blended,
As spoke Heaven's peace upon her head descended,
And her brow wore no shadow of distress,
I saw her thus — the angels cherishing
Their long-belov'd, and welcoming her home,
And whispering her of pure joys yet to come,
And hopes eternal and unperishing.
I saw her smile upon them, and the band
Of fadeless flowers they laid upon her brow;
And heard her sigh, O happy, happy now,
Th' immortal airs my burning cheek have fann'd.
And those I left on earth, and wept to leave
Their ministering angel I awhile shall be;
But soon their wearied hearts shall cease to grieve,
And they will come to rapture and to me.