Poems (Sharpless)/The Little While
THE LITTLE WHILE
Six years! six years, beloved! since we were parted; Thou on the further side;I left on this, where often, lonely-hearted, I watch life's ebbing tide.
Is it the same old world, whose glowing splendor Raptured with joy mine eyes?Is this the life that was so warm and tender That now so barren lies?
For him who once hath walked alone with Sorrow, And met her stern, deep gaze,Never shall dawn again another morrow Like the glad yesterdays.
Yet not for idle brooding nor affliction Hath Death such full control;Sorrow, dark angel! hath her benediction For the submissive soul.
Secrets the sweetest hath she in her keeping, And with a solemn smile,Whispers assurance 'mid our selfish weeping, 'Tis for a little while.
A little while for loneliness and grieving For us who tarry yet;A little while! and brief past all believing When parted souls have met.
Oh, Gracious Lord! behold our desolation! Thou who didst thus consoleThy weak disciples, be the consolation Of each afflicted soul.
We ask no Lethe, wish for no forgetting Of all our dear, dear Dead,But that this futile anguish of regretting To patience pass instead.
And for the little while among the shadows That each grieved heart may beStrengthened to labor in the harvest meadows More wholly given to Thee.