Page:Poems Curwen.djvu/120

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112
in memoriam.

In Memoriam
One by one, Death calls them away,
From the love that would hold,
From the arms that enfold.
Though we cry, "Stay, oh, stay!"
Death answers us "Nay!"
And into the gloom
Down to the tomb
  He leadeth the way.

The mother bends over her dying one,
Moaning aloud in her despair,"
"O Death! look on my whitened hair,
Life's eventide is drawing on,
I need young arms to lean upon."
Death answers,"It is God's decree,
He chooseth best for her and thee—
  His will be done."

Then love, in anguish, pleading cried—
"O Death! be kind and let her stay,
Life is so sweet, and this is May:
Oh, do not take my promised bride,
A little while let her abide,
Summer may free her from the pain
And woo her back to health again."
  But Death replied,