Poems (Blake)/Away from Home

by Mary Elizabeth Blake

For works with similar titles, see Away from Home.

AWAY FROM HOME.

The sunset falls across the sea
 In flakes of golden light,
While the good ship sails fast and free
 Into the silent night;
But while I watch with dazzled eyes
 The fading smile of day,
My heart is with our eastern skies,
 And loved ones far away.

I hear the rippling of the waves
 Like some sweet thought that thrills
When the cool evening breezes play
 On our New England hills;
While at each murmured word that breaks
 Across the tinkling spray,
Some echoing chord of memory wakes
 For loved ones far away.

And as the moonbeams' silver light
 Falls trembling from above,
To shine across the wooded height
 And bless the home I love,
I know what eyes will meet it there,
 What soul and lips will pray
That God may hold in tender care
 Their loved one far away.

O life is bright as heaven above
 When youth and hope are free;
O earth is fair and full of love
 On land and shore and sea;
But earth would dim and hope depart
 If nearer day by day
I could not lead this longing heart
 To loved ones far away.