Poems (Howard)/To One Afar

by Hattie Howard

To One Afar

It seems the days will never end
Apart from thee, my one dear friend,
Whom every hour my thoughts attend.

Fair morning dawns in dewy grace
And seeks, with kisses on my face,
Night's ling'ring tear-drops to erase.

Like fragrant censers swung in air
Exhaling odor rich and rare,
Sweet flower-bells are everywhere.

Gay carols warbled wild and free
From tuneful throats in every tree
King out in wondrous harmony.

While, fair æolians in disguise
With unseen harps, the breezes rise
And chant their softest lullabies.

And with them other strains combine
That seem less human than divine,
And gladden every heart—but mine.

For everything I hear or see
Becomes dispiriting to me,
Because—it is not shared with thee.

And skies, however bright and clear,
Surcharged with gloom to me appear,
For I am sad—thou art not here.

Meek patience I impersonate,
And looking, longing, wond'ring, wait
For thy return—if soon or late.

Thy lot I know is happiness—
For thee doth Heaven delight to bless—
And my lament but selfishness.

That thou art glad explaineth why
The world around thee smiles, and I
Am happier—when thou art nigh.

As boundless as its sympathies
All tenderness thy nature is,
To bear with mine infirmities.

And thou dost find with secret art
Thy way into a weary heart,
And lease of strength anew 'impart.

How long—how long wilt thou delay?
Who unawares hast borne away
The melody and joy of day.

O from that far-alluring shore
Come back, I pray thee, and restore
Its gladness unto Life once more!