Page:Poems Greenwell.djvu/248

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236
A MEDITATION.
Our claim of kindred cherished though unseen;
And Love that is to you for eye and ear
Hath ways unknown to us to bring you near,—
To keep you near for all that comes between;
As pious souls that move in sleep to prayer,
As distant friends, that see not, and yet share
(I speak of what I know) each other's care,
So may your spirits blend with ours! above
Ye know nut haply of our state, yet Love
Acquaints you with our need, and through a way
More sure than that of knowledge—so ye pray!

        And even thus we meet,
And even thus we commune! spirits freed
And spirits fettered mingle, nor have need
To seek a common atmosphere, the air
Is meet for either in this olden, sweet,
Primeval breathing of Man's spirit—Prayer!

        And now your prayers are free,
Not hindered oft, as in this field below
By One himself unblest, that envieth so
The bonds of Brotherhood he may not know.
He joys to fling a seed of enmity
'Twixt very friends;—with anxious hearts, with hands
That rested not, ye wrought in scattered bands
Apart; intent upon your work, a word
Would reach you from the distance, faintly heard,