I lost the brook as it wound its way
Like a thread of silver hue;
Through greenwood and valley, through meadows gay,
'Twas hidden away from view:
But I found it again a noble river,
Sparkling and broad and free,
Wider and fairer growing ever,
Till it reached the boundless sea.
I lost the tiny seed that I sowed
With many a sigh and tear,
And vainly waited through sunshine and cold
For the young green to appear;
But surely after many long days
The blossom and fruit will come,
And the reapers on high the sheaves will raise
For a joyful harvest-home.
I lost the life that grew by my own
For one short summer day;
And then it left me to wander alone,
And silently passed away:
But I know I shall find it further on,
Though not as it left me here;
For the shadows and mists will have passed, and gone,
I shall see it fair and clear.
I lost the notes of the heavenly chime
That once came floating by;
I have listened and waited many a time
For the echo, though distantly:
But I know in the halls of glory it thrills,
Ever by day and night;
I shall hear it complete when its harmony fills
My soul with great delight.
I lost the love that made my life,
A love that was all for me;
Oh! vainly I sought it amid the strife
Of the stormy, raging sea:
But deeper and purer I know it waits
Beyond my wistful eyes;
I shall find it again within the gates
Of the garden of paradise.
I shall lose this life! it will disappear,
With its wonderful mystery;
Some day it will move no longer here,
But will vanish silently:
But I know I shall find it again once more,
In a beauty no song hath told;
It will meet with me at the golden door,
And round me forever fold.