Poems (Brown)/The Two Good Nights
THE TWO GOOD NIGHTS.
We remember, we remember, A little gentle girl,That charmed us with her lovely eyes, And head of golden curls.
She was our youngest blossom— A pet of some four years;Her path was crowned with roses, And free from childhood's tears.
Her merry voice resounded All day in gleesome song,While she sported in the garden, The cheerful flowers among.
And when the lamps of evening Were lighted up on high,She'd stand, with finger pointing To the calm, clear, azure sky.
"See, mother dear, those lamps that shine. To give us light below;If Jesus would come down for me, You'd surely let me go.
For there the streets are paved with gold, And hung with crystals bright;"And, saying this, she'd kiss our cheeks, And bid us all good night.
A sudden fear would fill our hearts, Lest our fair home might beBereft of this dear loved one's form And merry voice of glee.
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The years passed on with rapid flight, And all was bright and gay;And still our darling sported round In youthful, careless play.
At last, the dreaded shadow fell Over our household band:Death smiled upon our fairest one; He grasped her gentle hand.
"You'll come with me," he sternly said; "My summons all obey;"And then her spirit winged its flight, And left the form of clay.
It was but once she raised her head, And said, with smile of light,"Nay! do not weep, my friends so dear: I wish you all good night."