Poems (Proctor)/Alone with God
ALONE WITH GOD.
Beside the bier I watched his rest divine, While sunset faded and the moon rose fairTo light the chamber gloom with mellow shine, And kiss the lips that love would hardly dare;And through the lattice, from the meadows, came The south wind like a seraph, fluting low,And fanned his cheek, and almost breathed his name, And waved the pall's weird fringes to and fro.
Oh, life I would have given for look or word! Alas, alas, he could not hear my cry!Caress nor prayer his wan, cold slumber stirred; The wind and moonlight were as dear as I!Done were our mingled days of joy and care; Parted the paths we had together trod;He on his bier, and I beside him there— Each, in the stillness, was alone with God.