Poems (Carmichael)/Amputated

by Sarah Elizabeth Carmichael

AMPUTATED.

Good bye, right arm! 'Tis hard to part
 With one as true and tried;
One that so long hath served my heart,
 And waited at my side:
Thy work is done—thy pain is o'er;
 When tear drops dim mine eye
Thy hand will dash them forth no more—
 Good bye, right arm—good bye!

Good bye, right arm! On battle field
 Thy strength hath served me well,
And thou hast been my bosom's shield
 Where blows like rain drops fell;
But never more amid the strife
 Thou wilt be lifted high;
Thy last blow saved this heart its life—
 Good bye, right arm—good bye!

Good bye, right arm! No more thou 'lt start
 Eager to greet my friend;
But this poor one that's near my heart
 No colder clasp will lend;
And should my country ever need
 A guard so maimed as I,
It would be just as proud to bleed—
 Good bye, right arm—good bye!

Good bye, right arm! I should not grieve,
 For thou hast done thy part;
Yet I can scarcely bear to leave
 Thee, senseless as thou art:
My poor, scarred hand! I hold thee near
 To lips that trembling sigh,
And gem thee once more with a tear—
 Good bye, right arm—good bye!