Poems (Truesdell)/Lines addressed to my Sister at School

by Helen Truesdell

LINES

ADDRESSED TO MY SISTER AT SCHOOL.

"The flush of youth soon passes from the face,
 The spells of Fancy from the mind depart:
The form may lose its symmetry and grace
 But time can claim no victory o'er the heart."
Mrs. Dinnies.

Dear sister! could I bring to thee
 Gems from the purest mine,
And all the treasures of the earth
 In one great whole combine,
A better, nay a holier gift,
 To thee could not be given,
Than that which education brings,
 With a true faith in heaven.

These blessings are within thy grasp,
 Oh! haste to seize them now;
May modest virtue fill thy heart,
 And laurels crown thy brow!
From the church spires by thy side,
 Goes forth the voice of prayer,
And thou mayst sing thy hymns of praise
 Free as the birds of air.

The bird that gayly sings her song,
 And fluttering spreads her wing,
Breathes not a purer air than thou—
 May not more freely sing.
Born 'neath the happiest sky on earth,
 What homage shouldst thou render
To Him, who with such holy care
 Watches thy years so tender.

And now in youth, in early youth,
 Indulge not freaks of folly.
Lest after years should bring to thee
 Regret and melancholy:
But prize thy blessings, prize them well,
 Oh! clasp them to thy heart;
And never, never, e'en through life,
 From these best gifts depart.