Page:Blanchard on L. E. L.pdf/161

I turn away—my heart is sadly dreaming
    Of scenes they do not light, of scenes afar.
My friends, my absent friends!
Do you think of me, as I think of you?

By each dark wave around the vessel sweeping,
    Farther am I from old dear friends removed;
Till the lone vigil that I now am keeping,
    I did not know how much you were beloved.
How many acts of kindness little heeded,
    Kind looks, kind words, rise half reproachful now!
Hurried and anxious, my vex'd life has speeded.
    And memory wears a soft accusing brow.
My friends, my absent friends!
Do you think of me, as I think of you?

The very stars are strangers, as I catch them
    Athwart the shadowy sails that swell above;
I cannot hope that other eyes will watch them
    At the same moment with a mutual love.
They shine not there, as here they now are shining;
    The very hours are changed.—Ah, do ye sleep?
O'er each home pillow midnight is declining—
    May some kind dream at least my image keep!
My friends, my absent friends!
Do you think of me, as I think of you?

Yesterday has a charm, To-day could never
    Fling o'er the mind, which knows not till it parts
How it turns back with tenderest endeavour
    To fix the past within the heart of hearts.
Absence is full of memory, it teaches
    The value of all old familiar things;
The strengthener of affection, while it reaches
    O'er the dark parting, with an angel's wings.
My friends, my absent friends!
Do you think of me as I think of you?

The world, with one vast element omitted—
    Man's own especial element, the earth;
Yet, o'er the waters is his rule transmitted
    By that great knowledge whence has power its birth.
How oft on some strange loveliness while gazing
    Have I wish'd for you—beautiful as new.
The purple waves like some wild army raising
    Their snowy banners as the ship cuts through.
My friends, my absent friends!
Do you think of me, as I think of you?