Poems (Barker)/To Maggie and Kate

by Alice J. Green Barker

To Maggie and Kate.

Ah! vainly do I try dear friends,
 A recompense to give,
But only loving thoughts and prayers
 Can in my memory live.
Still, could I weave this simple song,
 With heartflowers pure and bright,
Their fragrance floating through it all,
 Should thrill your souls to-night.

And if each loving grateful thought,
 Could, like the flowers bloom,
Your path with roses would be strewn,
 Down to the rayless tomb;
And hearts ease and forget-me-nots,
 And lilies pure and fair,
To hide each trace of lifes unrest,
 Be scattered everywhere.

I sometimes think that unseen forms,
 Above us kindly bend,
And gently bless and sanctify
 The hallowed name of friend!
Not in the friendship of the world,
 That cold and hollow form,
But in the love that calls our hearts
 To its embrace so warm.

And if this fancy bright be true,
 That angels o'er us bend,
O may they to our friendship now
 Their benediction send.
Then like the fair and fragrant flowers,
 Your gentle hands have given,
'Twill spring into new life and joy,
 And guide us nearer heaven.