Poems (Charlotte Allen)/The Grave

by Charlotte Allen

For works with similar titles, see The Grave.

THE GRAVE.

Sad, lonely and chill is the silent grave
 And dark is the lonely tomb;
The tall grass around doth mournfully wave,
 And wild flowers neglectedly bloom.

The turf may be fresh, and perfumed the air,
 The flowers in rich colors be drest,
But what recks it all, to the form that lies there,
 'Neath the green sward, calmly at rest.

He hath acted his part on the world's wide stage,
 He hath tasted affliction's stream;
His name is engraved on adversity's page,
 For dark was his life's short dream.

Though sad disappointment had marked his way,
 And full was his cup of sorrow,
Yet, he peacefully rests where thousands lay,
 To "wake not again on the morrow."

He hath paid his last debt,and breath'd his last sigh,
 His manes repose in earth;
But his spirit hath soared to yonder sky,
 The clime that gave him birth.