Poems (Hale)/"What withers on Earth blooms in Heaven"

by Mary Whitwell Hale

"WHAT WITHERS ON THE EARTH, BLOOMS AGAIN IN HEAVEN."

Those blessed hopes, most fair and bright,
Now merged in disappointment's night,
Shall wear a new and holier light,
 And shine more pure in heaven.

The smiles that cheered life's golden hours,
And shed their light o'er love's sweet bowers,
Though vanished now like summer flowers,
 Shall beam more bright in heaven.

The hearts whereon our own could rest,
In grief less sad, in joy more blessed,
Though cold is now each faithful breast,
 Shall love again in heaven.

The flowers that rich with dewy bloom,
Sent forth at morn a sweet perfume,
Though sunset lingers round their tomb,
 Shall bloom again in heaven.

No clouds in those fair skies are seen,
But suns are bright and gales serene,
While living founts and pastures green,
 Eternal, spring in heaven.

Then breathe no more the strain of wo,
Nor longer let grief's teardrop flow,
For each sweet flower that droops below,
 Shall fadeless bloom in heaven.