Poems (Cook)/The Welcome back
THE WELCOME BACK.
Sweet is the hour that brings us home, Where all will spring to meet us;Where hands are striving as we come, To be the first to greet us.When the world hath spent its frowns and wrath, And care been sorely pressing;Tis sweet to turn from our roving path, And find a fireside blessing.Oh! joyfully dear is the homeward track,If we are but sure of a welcome back.
What do we reck on a dreary way, Though lonely and benighted;If we know there are lips to chide our stay, And eyes that will beam love-lighted?What is the worth of your diamond ray, To the glance that flashes pleasure;When the words that welcome back betray We form a heart's chief treasure?Oh! joyfully dear is our homeward track,If we are but sure of a welcome back.