Poems (Greenwell)/In Absence
IN ABSENCE.
And quick as when a blush Drinks up within its hasty glow a tear From off the cheek, within that sudden gush Of warmth our sadness grew to better cheer.Not now so wide, methinks, not now so drear The blank that parts our lives, for Love between Keeps ever moving; even now I ween Thy task becomes less hard! for sacrifice And patience are thy path, which ever lies O'er odorous herbs; but other destinies And other toils are mine, arid, like a goad, The thought of thee doth urge me on the road Where thou dost wait me: but lest this should fail,—For Hope, the lover's friend, grows sometimes pale In musing o'er his fortunes,—oft to me A surer aim is present: I would be Of thee more worthy and of Him that blest My life with thine, and thus I cannot rest; Spurred on by noble discontent, my care Is still to make this proud, unquiet breast The fitter for the flower it may not wear!