THE DEPARTED ONE.
Only one short year has passed and fled, Forever that sweet face of thine,Pillowed so oft upon my breast, now dead! God willed it so,—why should I repine?
'Tis hard to tear my soul apart from thine, For I had dreamed sweet dreams of thee; How can I lose thee and forever resign All in this life so dear to me.
'Tis the will of God to suffer here below; To love and lose all that is dear,Then struggle on in sadness here and woe, To make our way to Heaven more clear.
I feel thy power when sorrow ever Comes to me with withering blight; Thy remembrance leads my mind forever To thy heavenly home beyond my sight.
Oft in whispers thy sweet voice above The cooling breeze of twilight hour I feel, And hear thy whispered vows of love, And fancy my arms around thee steal.
But those happy days have forever passed, I feel what I have loved and lost; And long to lay me down and be at rest, Nor longer here upon life's billows toss'd.
This little grassy mound holds all I love; Oft I strew fresh flowers upon thy grave; While thy sweet and pure spirit from above Will ever watch o'er my soul and save
From dark despair, and gently lead Your love left only a little while behind To watch and pray, hoping some day indeed To mingle in beautiful spirit-love divine.
The joys and pleasures of this earthly life No more can fill my soul with love: In the grave they're buried with my wife, Till we re-unite in Heaven above.