Poems (Howard)/A Dream (How strange! it seems but yesterday)
For works with similar titles, see A Dream.
A Dream.
How strange! it seems but yesterday I clasped thee to my ardent heart! And now, a thousand leagues away Beyond the swelling seas thou art.
Oh! wearily the hours have sped Since that sad day when last we met And parted, while the sun o'erhead Grew darker, as in fond regret.
But nights of gloom that shroud my soul Are lighted up by dreams of thee—Sweet dreams! which could I but control Would last through all eternity.
'T was such an one, the other night, Illumed this dreary world of mine As with a ray of heavenly light, And filled my heart with joy divine.
A meteor in my darkened sky Thy spirit came, as o'er the deep, And wiped the tear-drop from my eye And calmed the wave of troubled sleep.
Encircling arms dispelled my pain; A tender voice, a phantom kiss, A loving smile revived again Old, unforgotten days of bliss.
But sad the wakening—sad to know That this, the brief refulgent gleam Of happiness, that thrilled me so, Was but the rapture of a dream.
A vision bright that came and went, One flash of joy, and all was o'er; A boon which Heaven a moment lent And then withdrew forevermore.
'T were vain to wish thy hours of rest With thoughts of one might radiant be Who, of thy friendship still possessed, Through all the years remembers thee.
But may I hope, while far apart We are, and others win thy praise, Thou wilt not quite forget the heart That bows in love to thee always.