Lines For An Album

I would not trace the hackneyed phrase Of shallow words and empty praise, And prate of "peace" till one might think My foolish pen was drunk with ink. Nor will I here the wish express Of "lasting love and happiness," And "cloudless skies"—for after all "Into each life some rain must fall." —No. Keep the empty page below, In my remembrance, white as snow— Nor sigh to know the secret prayer My spirit hand has written there.