Poems (Smith)/To Anna

by Martha A. Smith

For works with similar titles, see To Anna.

TO ANNA.

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Farewell, Anna, from my home
 You will pass unto another:
May you never too far roam
 From thy own dear mother.

Ever keep her memory dear,
 Wherever you may wander,—
O'er hill or dale, no one so near
 As thy own gentle mother.

When griefs oppress or sorrows rend,
 You'll find no one so tender,
And truly loving till life may end,
 As thy own dearest mother.

Even though you dwell apart,
 Remembrance lingers ever
Around the heart till you depart
 To meet thy darling mother.

One short year has pass'd away,
 And vet it seems much longer,
Since you parted one sad day
 In Ireland from thy mother.

Thy far-off home is ne'er forgot,
 Thy heart overflows—no wonder—
To those you left on that lov'd spot
 In Ireland with thy mother.

Oft as months and years roll round
 Thy tears for home will linger,—
Bedim thine eyes till heart rebound
 With love for thy dear mother.

And when thy journey's safely o'er,
 Thou anchored safe in harbor,
You'll be so happy ever more,—
 Welcomed by thy dear mother.

If while upon the surging sea,
 Crossing o'er the deep water,
A passing thought you give to me,
 Pray to God thy Heavenly Father.