Poems (Hazlett-Bevis)/Somewhere

by Sophia Courtoulde Hazlett-Bevis

Somewhere.

Somewhere, 'tis said, in the Earth's great waste
 A beautiful isle may be found,
Where naught but is lovely and fair and chaste
 Find place on that hallowed ground.
Somewhere, afar in the mystic seas,
 Whose waters, all rippling and blue,
Wash up to the shore with a rythm of peace,
 And heighten its beauties anew.

In this island of Somewhere the sun ever shines,
 But its rays are all softened and rare,
And out of its verdure fair blossoms and vines
 Fling incense to perfume the air.
The music of birds singing sweetly His praise,
 Like none other on earth can compare;
Both moonlight and starlight beam gently their rays
 And halo His kind, watchful care.

Age never comes to this mystical shore—
 It is years of perennial bloom;
Sadness and sorrow are barred evermore—
 Its ways are not shadow nor gloom.
Happiness has chartered this beautiful isle,
 Only Peace, Love and Joy are its tones;
From deep, lovely eyes, and sweet lips a smile,
 But never are heard sighs or moans.

Neither hunger nor cold are ever felt there,
 Grim want stands abashed far away;
Not even in dreams can fear or despair
 Ever punish the beings who stay.
Disappointment, Ambition,—low groveling lie,
 Both a snare and a cheat, well we know:
And only Contentment beneath the blue sky,
 Somewhere—on earth here below.

Oh, come; let us go! We have tarried too long;
 The shadows are lengthening each day.
Somewhere! Ah, hasten where Hope wafts a song
 And bids us be happy alway.
Let us find it, tho' mountains and seas intervene,
 Though tire and flood bar the way;
We long for the rest, and the beauty of scene,
 And the joy that will linger for aye.