Poems (Toke)/Lines (It is a morn in Autumn time)

by Emma Toke

For works with similar titles, see Lines.

LINES.

T is a morn in Autumn time, A morn to me most dear,Though Spring's first bloom has passed away, And Summer flowers are sere.

But though the year's green youth is gone, Yet, o'er her matron brow,This one bright hour to me can shed A light unknown till now.

And wherefore? Dearest! thou canst tell Why glad should be the dayThat first beheld thy dawn of life, Thy being's opening ray.

For since together we have trod Our mingled pathway here,This morn has ever seemed to me The brightest of the year.

And yet, sometimes a gentle shade Will steal across that sky,Blent of the future and the past, Of hope and memory.

For who can think without a sigh, Of happy years gone past,In love unchanged by grief or care, Firmer for every blast!

Or ponder o'er the days to come, Without an anxious heart,That trusts for blessings, but still fears To see some joy depart.

Yet still, my best beloved! while thou And thy dear love are mine,This earth can never dreary seem, This heart can ne'er repine!

Dost thou not, Dearest! feel how swift Days seem to hurry past,Till each successive year appears More shortlived than the last?

For since the hour that made us one, Though life its cares must bring,Yet time has ever seemed to me To fly on swiftest wing.

And but for those sweet little ones That rising round us come,I scarce could think four wedded years Had glided o'er our home.

But their glad voices, soft and clear, Their tiny footsteps' sound,Tell that old Time is pacing on His sure though silent round.

A thousand blessings rest on them; And mayst thou live to seeHeaven's choicest gift, thy children prove A crown of bliss to thee!

And thou, dear Love, more dear than e'en Those little ones to me,May every blessing God can give Thine earthly portion be:

And every birthday find us hound In fonder, holier love;Treading the path of duty here, With hearts and hopes above!

E.

October 6, 1841.