Page:Poems Larcom.djvu/264

Sister-love, so calm, so wise!
Starlight, risen on darkened skies;
Heart that made its rifled nest
Shelter for the homeless guest,—
Of thy tenderness bereft,
Little warmth in life is left.
Has that new world's flood of bliss
Swept apart the ties of this?

None may name a drearier thought;—
Hearts we lean on need us not.
If they ask for us no more,
Gathering in heaven's affluent store,
Life is lonelier than we knew;
Sharper anguish thrills death through.
In this rubbish-heap of earth
Hides no pearl heaven's saving worth?

God is good. His face they see,
And are glad eternally.
Yet they hear love's wordless prayer,—
Sigh that stirs the peaceful air,