Love'S Nearness

I think of thee, when golden sunbeams shimmer Across the sea; And when the waves reflect the moon's pale glimmer, I think of thee.

I see thy form, when down the distant highway The dust-clouds rise; In deepest night, above the mountain by-way, I see thine eyes.

I hear thee when the ocean-tides returning Loudly rejoice; And on the lonely moor, in stillness yearning, I hear thy voice.

I dwell with thee: though thou art far removed, Yet art thou near. The sun goes down, the stars shine out,-- Beloved, Ah, wert thou here!

From Goethe: "Nahe des Geliebten."