Poems (Eliza Gabriella Lewis)/To the Absent

by Eliza Gabriella Lewis

TO THE ABSENT.

Come to me, love; knowest thou the dew is falling,
 And the pure star-light gleams o'er hill and dale?
Come, ere my lips are weary with their calling,
 And the soft check thou lovest turneth pale.

Why dost thou linger? clouds are gathering round me,
 But not the summer's gentle threatnings lour;
'Tis the heart's gloom, dearest, ere grief hath bound me
 In his strong fetters;—come, and joy restore.

Call I in vain? my children, the young voices
 Join to your mother's! bid wild echo ring
With the loved name that still my heart rejoices,
 As in our love's first fair and joyous spring.

Would I could hear his steps, as music cheering
 To the lone watching heart—bid him draw near,
And from the brow, pale with love's anxious fearing,
 Kiss the deep sadness and starting tear!

Hark! 'tis his step! quick, quick, and haste to meet him!
 E'en through the darkness I can mark his gaze
Hasten, my children! warmly, kindly greet him.
 Home safe! to heaven now give thy grateful praise.