For works with similar titles, see To ———.
4606754Poems — To ———Sophia May Eckley
TO ——
AS bubbles swell and break upon the wave,
Flinging their rainbow colours to the air,
So words swell, break, are powerless to save
A shadow of the love to thee I bear,
                 My Poet-friend.

I wear thee like an orient jewel, bright
Washed upward, dripping from the purple wave;
Ne'er dimmed, because 'tis ever morning's light
With those who love—such love to thee I gave;
                 My Poet-friend.

Greatest of minstrels! in thy rippling hair
Mingles the fadeless bay her life to lend,
Not as earth's flowers waste upon the air,
Their passion breath—may mine as swiftly end—
                 My Poet-friend.

'Tis ever morning's light with those who love,
No evening shadows drop their chilling gloom
Where God has thrown His mantle from above
On holy loves to guard them from the tomb—
                 Dear Poet-friend!