Where ever near me, night and day,—
And happiest with me to stay,—
He kept the vexing world away. . . .
Ah, then, he did not seem to see
The haunting thing so constantly!—
Dear God! what may the riddle be?
·········
Mother! I scarce have grieved for you,—
So close to me my brother drew—
So gave me all the joys I knew,—
But I am frightened now, and cry,
Stretching my arms out to the sky.
Without my brother's love, I die!
And though I do not understand
Where lies yon far fair Heavenly Land,
I think that soon, hand locked in hand,
We two will find you where you dwell—
Will see the face he loved so well,
And, weeping, all our sorrows tell.
And then, I know, through me beguiled,
You'll smile on him,—as once you smiled,
Who was so good to your lonely child!
