Poems (Angier)/A Farewell to Youth

by Annie Lanman Angier

A FAREWELL TO YOUTH.

What though they may vanish, the visions of childhood,
And with them our dreams of the fern-scented wild wood;
And what though the footsteps grow feeble and slow,
As onward, and downward, and upward we go?

The sun shines as brightly, the landscape is fair,
As when the light heart knew nor sorrow nor care;
The rose is still fragrant, the robin's song gay,
As once when he carolled life's morning away.

And nightly, in valley, on hill-top, and tree,
The stars shed their beams, while the land and the sea
Repose in their soft light now, as when at first
Through yon calm azure vault their pure radiance burst.

Then breathe not a sigh, though the years passing by
From thy form rob the grace, steal the light from thine eye;
Though Time on thy brow leave the traces of care,
And his fingers silver threads twine in thy hair.

No cloud on the spirit, no tear on the cheek,
A peace in the soul which the lips cannot speak;
With faces all radiant, beaming and bright,
Thus kindred hearts greet in the fair land of light.

Hark! voices are telling of bloom that fades never—
And sweet visions come of a blissful forever.
O! home of eternal youth, holy and free,
Heaven grant all at last may find shelter in thee.