Poems (Sharpless)/Smile Upon Me
SMILE UPON ME
Smile upon me, as the shadowStretcheth longer o'er life's meadow;While the ripples of Time's riverFalleth fainter, fainter ever. Smile upon me.
We have lived and loved togetherThro' 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 wearyLooking on thy path so dreary?Would my smile had power to throwAs bright a gilding o'er thy woe As thine o'er mine.
Smile upon me—one by oneBreak 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 beThe last of life, of love, I see. Smile once more.