46
In Memoriam.
IN MEMORIAM.
Once more we see the old, familiar place:
Once more we turn remembered forms to greet,
With clasp of hand, face looking into face,
Rejoice again communing here to meet.
Once more we turn remembered forms to greet,
With clasp of hand, face looking into face,
Rejoice again communing here to meet.
But list! a silence falleth on us all;
Within our midst a vacancy is there:
A darkness gathers like a funeral pall,
Around the table, with its empty chair.
Within our midst a vacancy is there:
A darkness gathers like a funeral pall,
Around the table, with its empty chair.
A slight, draped form, a sweet and thoughtful face,
So white and still, with crown of golden hair,
With gentle speech, with woman's tender grace,—
How oft we've seen her by the table there!
So white and still, with crown of golden hair,
With gentle speech, with woman's tender grace,—
How oft we've seen her by the table there!
Faithful she was, and ready aye to serve,
By pen and voice, by friendly word and true:
No critic harsh; nor ever did she swerve
From kindest courtesy to others due.
By pen and voice, by friendly word and true:
No critic harsh; nor ever did she swerve
From kindest courtesy to others due.
