Poems (Charlotte Allen)/To a Friend on the Eve of Departure

by Charlotte Allen

TO A FRIEND ON THE EVE OF DEPARTURE.

When thou hast departed
 From this happy shore,
And the warm and true-hearted,
 Thy absence deplore;—

While o'er the raging sea,
 Reckless of danger,
Thou art roving free,
 Ocean's wide ranger,—

May gales propitious blow,—
 No storms await thee,
But pleasure's cheering glow,
 Ever elate thee.

Bright be thy waking hours,
 Sweet be thy dreams,
Rife be thy path with flowers,
 Brilliant life's scenes.

Through sunshine or storm,
 Kind Heaven attend thee;
From peril and harm,
 Forever befriend thee.

Light be thy sorrow,
 Tranquil thy rest;
May each coming morrow,
 Still find thee more blest.

And when home returning,
 To friends you love best,
May the flame of love burning,
 Glow bright in each breast.

Heaven's best gifts be thine,
 With life's dearest pleasure;
Hearts worthy as thine,
 Will be filled without measure.