Love'S Nearness

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

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

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

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

From the German of Goethe, 1898.