Poems (Barker)/On the Death of Miss Hattie Cummings

by Alice J. Green Barker

On the Death of
Miss Hattie Cummings.

When the New Year dawns on the snow clad earth,
 And the morning is robed in white,
I shall feel no longer the constant pain
 That tortures me so to-night.
For father, the New Year will open for me
 In a land where no storm clouds fall,
I go to my Savior, his wonderful love,
 Is ready and waiting for all,

But mother, dear mother so watchful and true,
 You'll miss me more than the rest,
But your loving eyes are raised with mine
 To our Father, "He knoweth best."
O, I would not come back from the river's brink,
 Though its waters are dark and cold,
And the waves in their careless wanton play
 Oft recklessly round me fold.

For look, oh look! on the other side,
 I can see the gates ajar:
And the trailing robes, and the crowns of light
 Of the angels bright, afar.
And soon, so soon, in a spotless robe
 I'll join them an angel too,
But weep not mother, I'll watch and wait
 In that beautiful Home, for you.

And father dear, when the house seems still,
 And you think of your absent child,
I know that your heart will thrill with joy
 To know I am undefiled,
I have only gone to that better Home
 Where our happy souls will meet,
Where a father's and daughter's love will bloom
 Like flowers at the Savior's feet,

O, Mary, my sister, soon, soon we must part,
 The river of death flows between,
Heaven help you in finding the beautiful way,
 That frees you forever from sin;
And the sweet little child, that you fold to your heart,
 O teach her of heaven and truth,
O teach her of Jesus, His mercy, His love,
 Let her walk in that love in her youth.

My sister, our pathway diverges, God grant
 That your eyes may be lifted above,
My own will be watching, dear Mary each day,
 In tenderness, pity and love.
Dear Grandma, the gate will be standing ajar,
 For soon you will follow me through,
I know that the angels rejoicing will send,
 A beautiful welcome for you.

And you, my beloved, farewell, oh! farewell,
 In an evening of sorrow, we part,
In a morning of Glory, our meeting shall be,
 I'll be folded again to your heart;
And all is so bright, by his wonderful love,
 The shadow has yielded to sun;
The angels are calling, how gladly, I say,
 O, Father! "Thy blest will be done."

Rejoice with me, loved ones, I go to His arms
 Who waits for the penitent child;
O, take me dear Jesus, Thy love makes me pure,
 And leaves me thine own, undefiled,
Farewell, but remember your Hattie's fond hands
 Oft' the loving caresses will fall,
I go but a little before you, dear friends,
 I'll be waiting and watching for all.