Poems (Hoffman)/Dream of the Summer Land

by Martha Lavinia Hoffman

DREAM OF THE SUMMER LAND

I dream of a land where no thunder-cloud gathers,Where across the calm waters no tempest may sweepAnd where, while we chill in our bleak wintry weather,The vales in perpetual Summer-time sleep.

I dream of a city across whose bright portalsThe sunbeams are rolling in waves of delight,Where brightness and gladness and joy are immortal,Where there is no darkness, no winter, no night.

I dream of a meadow where lilies are growingAnd fairer than Solomon's glory arrayed,I dream of a garden where roses are glowingAnd never a rose or a lily shall fade.

I dream of a clime where the palm tree is wavingO'er rivers of crystal and pavements of gold,And seraphs amid the bright waters are laving,—A realm more serene than the Eden of old.

I dream of a song that is ever ascendingO, oft of that anthem of joy have I dreamed!To Him who hath loved us be praises unendingTo Him who from sin unto God hath redeemed.

O Summer, bright Summer! my thoughts still are roamingThrough thy beautiful day that so lately was mineAnd now in the gathering shades of thy gloamingI dream of a Summer that knows no decline.

'Till yonder rude tempest of desolate seemingIs melting before the more real unseenAnd only the mystery wrought with my dreamingLike a thin veil of gossamer lieth between.