_Once More Together_

[To H. A. M.]

What sounds so sweet as the glad words of greeting? And what starts the tears, Like the warm kiss that is given at meeting After long years.

Friend of my heart, we are once more together; Hand clasped in hand. We sit and we walk in the beautiful weather That gladdens the land.

Oh, rare golden days, in the heart of September; Days more than sweet-- Days that my heart will forever remember, Ye are too fleet!

Why haste away! the greedy "Past's" measure Already runs o'er; But like a miser who hoards up rare treasure, He cries out for "more."

Oh, bright Autumn days! If you only would linger And loiter, and stay! Too soon old time shall be pointing his finger And bidding me say.

That word "Good-bye," that's so hard to be spoken. Hearts have been stirred Almost to breaking; and fond hearts have broken At that last word.

Away with these sad thoughts! this rare golden weather Shall not find me sad, Because we cannot always wander together, But I will be glad

Of the days that are left. No foreboding of sorrow Shall darken my sky. Nor To-day be o'erclouded, because some To-morrow, I must say good-bye.

1871