All the rainbow hues are hiding
In the pearly shells of white,
But their beauties are depending
On the mystic powers of light;—
Going, coming, like the blushes
On a modest maiden’s cheek,
As her heart-throb quick confesses
What her lips would never speak.
Husband, there’s a heart that’s loving
With devotion pure and deep;
If you’d know its fullest blessing,
If the treasure you would keep,
You must flash the light upon it,
Beaming out from loving eyes;
Then, as shell, reflecting sunlight,
It will glow with lovely dyes.
All within and all about it
Soon will catch the won’drous charm,
By reflection and absorption
Home will aye be bright and warm;
But if left alone in darkness,
Through a life of gloom and night,
Like the sea-shell, pure and pearly,
It will be but cold and white.