(Jan. 28, 1885.)
Dear heart, sweet heart that through these years
Hast walked with me, in sun, in shade!
Though thy dear presence bides with me
In thought alone, that ne'er shall fade!
We may not wander hand in hand,
We seldom greet us face to face,
Yet in my life thy love, thy words
Have ever yet a hallowed place!
Together in the past we roamed
When girlhood's fancies bound our will,—
To-day, no less, we deem it sweet
The tie that holds us captive still!
To thee, beloved, my storm-tost heart
Turns now, as then, for word of cheer.
In those far days my arm was strong,
My love did hold thee from all fear;
But now my strength is well nigh spent,
Though mem'ry crowns each happy hour,
And fain would forms now vanished seek,
And fain recall that witching power!
Some sleep in death whom we called dear;
Some roam afar in distant lands,
While you and I have ever grown
The nearer, knit by Friendship's bands!
And as the years roll on I cling,
Dear heart, more closely to thy love;
God grant for all life's bitterness
A lasting peace to come, above!