Poems (Smith)/Thee, My Friend

by Martha A. Smith

THEE, MY FRIEND.

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Thy little acts of kindness
 Have won for thee a place
In my heart's pure affection,
 That time can ne'er efface.

Until I pass forever
 Unto my home above,
Memory will linger ever
 Around thy deeds of love.

In gentle accents tender,
 Kindly words and true,—
An ever friendly welcome
 I have received from yon.

Now let me thank thee kindly:
 Believe me thy true friend;
On my friendship trusting ever,
 You may through life depend.

If best wishes for thee ever
 Could thy days prolong,
While on this earth forever
 This would be my song—

God spare and lead thee gently
 Unto the living Truth;
Keep thee pure and holy,—
 Guide thee in thy youth

Unto that everlasting life
 Were all is peace and love.
Free from care and earthly strife,
 To dwell with God above.

And when you this brief life resign,
 And on earth no longer stay.
In Heaven may your record shine
 As clear and bright as day.