Poems (Sharpless)/Smile Upon Me

by Frances M. Sharpless

SMILE UPON ME

Smile upon me, as the shadow
Stretcheth longer o'er life's meadow;
While the ripples of Time's river
Falleth fainter, fainter ever.
        Smile upon me.

We have lived and loved together
Thro' all fair and stormy weather;
All our griefs we've shared, save one,
This, that thou must bear alone.
        Canst thou smile?

Will thy heart grow sad and weary
Looking on thy path so dreary?
Would my smile had power to throw
As bright a gilding o'er thy woe
        As thine o'er mine.

Smile upon me—one by one
Break the links that hold me down;
And the valley dark appears—
Heaven I scarce can see for tears.
        Yet smile on me.

Yes, I know thy heart is breaking,
For mine own hath heavy aching:
I dare not think how sad 'twill be,
When thou art here, yet wanting me.
        Wilt thou smile?

Now the shadows close around me,
Earth itself is fading from me,
Yet I would thy smile should be
The last of life, of love, I see.
        Smile once more.