Poems (Argent)/Twin Souls

by Alice Emily Argent

TWIN SOULS.

"But thou and I are one in kind
 As moulded like in Nature's mint,
 And hill and wood and field did print
The same sweet forms in either mind."
Tennyson.

THERE are two souls who seldom meet,
    So far apart
Their lines in life, and yet they are
      True friends in heart.

One moves in noble rank—but still
      A woman sweet,
Who holds not such as all in all
      On earth complete.

A good Samaritan who sees
      Her neighbour's need,
Who from her place looks down and helps
      In word and deed.

No greater joy has she, I ween,
      Than each to bless,
There is no limit to her thoughts
      Of tenderness.

The evening-time is drawing near
      Her footsteps now,
But she has caught soft lights of heaven
      Upon her brow.

The poor, the helpless, and the sad,
      With stricken breast,
Cling to her lovingly, as if
      Her touch brought rest.

Dear saintly woman, loved by all,
      Who long hath trod
Life's pathway—she, our Dora, is
      The gift of God!

The other soul of whom I write
      Is lowly born,
A violet in a shady nook,
      Just kissed by morn.

She fills her place as best she may
      With loving zeal,
A woman of self-sacrifice
      Whose faith is real!

In friendship's bonds these two are knit,
      Their minds are one,
The selfsame beauty breathes for them
      In flower and sun.

Position's gulf seems stranded o'er
      By outstretched hands.
Love parts the icy barrier with
      Strong arms and bands!

What though the violet lives and moves
      In paths unknown,
Save by the few who love and shield
      Her as their own.

An angel with soft folded wings,
      All unaware,
She sits beside us—and her name
      On earth is Clare!

And these twin-souls who seldom meet,
      Whose lives apart
Are often sundered, keep for aye
      True friends in heart!