Poems (Nealds)/Sonnet (How long the shortest separation seems)
For works with similar titles, see Sonnet.
SONNET.
How long the shortest separation seemsUnto the tender and the gentle heartFrom those it loves—oh! it is grief to part Ev'n for a week; and the full bosom deemsThat period eternity, and mournsUnceasingly, till the lov'd one returns.But, oh! how fruitless is the hope—how vainTo think that on this earth we can retainAt our own will, the valued friends we love!For ev'ry day, alas! to us must proveThat separations, long, and sad, must come.That one by one we sink into the tomb.Why should we look for happiness?—on earth'Tis found not; but to heav'n it owes its birth.