For works with similar titles, see Absence.
ABSENCE.
When thou art absent, and the grieving day
Has lost its wonted radiance, I take
For solace all thy looks and ways and make
Them rainbow messengers from thee to stay
The lonely, lingering hours; and as I lay
My gloom amidst thy sunshine there awake
Sweet memories and hopes that often break
To little songs that bear me company.
And then upon me there will sometimes steal
Those incommunicable thoughts that start
The rivers of the heart until I feel
The sudden tremulous rush of all thou art,
And in the fullness of it once more kneel
In reverence at the threshold of thy heart!