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In Memory of my Father.
DEAR father mine, thy grave is far away—
Soft, sunny skies, bend warm and lovingly
Above thy dreamless slumber, and the waves
Of a far southern stream sweep by, and bear
In their low tones a message and a sigh
From thy unhappy child.

             My father dear,
These eyes have never gazed upon thy grave,
These hands have never taught the sweet Spring-rose
To bloom on that neglected spot; but
Within my soul there is a holy flower,
A flower perennial, watered with my tears,
And kissed to bloom by the sweet beam of love—