Poems (Charlotte Allen)/To a Friend

by Charlotte Allen

For works with similar titles, see To a Friend.

TO A FRIEND.

Say will you not for me, my friend,
 Awake one plaintive strain,
Upon thy lyre's trembling chords,
 That I may list again
To sweetest sounds from those lips of thine,
Speaking of joys of "Auld lang syne."

'T will rouse deep thoughts of other days,
 'T will quicken feeling's spring,
And to this heart that loves thee much,
 A saddened joy 't will bring.
Then breathe for me one gentle lay,
For it will soothe my pulses play.

There is a "winter in my soul!"
 A sadness in my heart,
And it can feel no greater bliss,
 Than what thou canst impart.
Then let me listen once again,
To thy voice's melting strain.

There 's gladness in thy sparkling eye,
 There 's sweetness in thy tone,
That cheers this lonely heart of mine,
 Though other joys have flown.
Then, touch the lyre, and let it tell
Of moment's past, remembered well.