Poems (Greenwell)/Songs of Farewell—Parting
SONGS OF FAREWELL.PARTING.
"They that my trust must grow to, dwell not here, They are with all my other comforts, Far hence."
Oh! speak of me, my friends! when I am gone Bind with my name some old familiar strain, That it may bear a greeting on its tone From One, heart-woven with its linkèd chain.
For I will speak of you! your names will rise When the full heart would of its treasure tell, And I will seek in stranger looks and eyes To trace the aspects I have loved so well.
Oh! think of me, my friends! when I am gone Let not my memory lightly pass away, With pleasant songs forgotten—or as one A stranger-guest, abiding but a day.
For I will think of you! a purer ray Will gild Life's journey, flung from times of old, And Thought will reckon o'er, when far away, Their gentle memories—its hoarded gold.
Oh! dream of me, my friends! when I am gone, Then be your happy slumbers lightly stirred By tender shadows from the distance thrown, By echoes sweet of some remembered word.
For on my visions haunting forms will rise, And I will seek in sleep a clasping hand, And I shall look within those much-loved eyes, Once more, within the pleasant dreaming-land!
Oh! pray for me, my friends! when I am gone Still with your voices let my name arise, Where once my accents mingled in the tone Of your sweet hymns and twilight harmonies.
For I will pray for you! my spirit lone Will seek the language that its kindred share; Yes! there, beloved friends! when I am gone It will be mine, dear friends, to meet you there!