Poems (Blake)/In Memoriam (Mrs. Edwin Booth)
IN MEMORIAM.
(MRS. EDWIN BOOTH. FEBRUARY 20, 1863.)
Kiss her good-night!Then let the waiting angel take her handTo lead her feet across the shining strandWhere life, serene and beautiful, awaitsThe coming guest before the golden gates! Kiss her good-night!
Close the dear eyesThat never more shall fill with unshed tears,Or dim before the fading touch of years,But bright with light eternal, from aboveShall guide the treasures of her earthly love.
Smooth the soft hair,And fold above the silence of the breastPalm touching palm, her quiet hands to rest,Fair hands that through all change of good or illStill wove the sunshine of her Master's will.
Wreathe the white browIn blossoms pure and sweet as her young life,Which crowned the names of maiden and of wifeWith all of loveliness that God hath givenTo win the trust of earth, the crown of heaven.
Then lead him here!The husband of her soul, whose swift feet cameWith eager heart on fire and eyes aflame,Yet all too late to catch the failing breath,Or touch her lips before the kiss of death.
Kiss her good-night;She sleeps to wake beneath those fairer skiesWhose light shall chase the shadows from her eyes;Where, soon or late, all passing terror scorningHer lips will greet us with a glad "Good Morning!"
Kiss her good-night!