Where shall we meet who parted long ago?
The frosty stars were twinkling in the sky,
The moorland lay before us white with snow,
The north wind smote our faces rushing by.
Where shall we meet? On such a moorland lone?
In crowded city street, or country lane?
On sandy beach-walk, while the sea makes moan?
In quiet chamber? Shall we meet again
On any spot of old familiar ground,
Our childish haunts? or in a far-off land?
Ah me! what if on earth no spot be found
For longing eyes to meet, and clasping hand?
What then? — If angry fate reunion bars,
A better meeting waits beyond the stars.
When shall we meet who parted in the night?
At some calm dawning, or in noontide heat?
To-day? to-morrow? or will years take flight
Before our yearning hearts find welcome sweet?
When shall we meet? While summer roses lie
Beside our path, and rustle overhead?
Or later, when a leaden winter sky
Looks coldly on the empty garden-bed?
While youthful faith and hopefulness are ours?
Or only when our hair is growing gray?
Ah me! we may have done with earthly hours
Before it comes to us, that happy day!
What then? — Let life's lone path be humbly trod,
And where or when we meet, we leave to God.
