The Body To The Soul

Together still, old comrade--thou and I! From out the dark, drear places, The awful, rayless spaces, Where only storms and dreadful shapes swept by, We have come forth again Into the world of men, Have seen the darkness vanish, and the day Drive night away!

Art thou not glad? Is it not good to be Alive on this green earth, This realm of home and hearth? Is it not good for thee as well as me? Oh, earth is warm and dear; Its touch is close and near; And the unknown is cold and dim, and far As any star!

Speak thou, O soul! Art thou not glad to-day That we are still together In the clear summer weather? Can see the shadows on the mountains play, The glory of the trees, The splendor of the seas, The pomp of dawn and sunset, and the fair Blue fields of air?

Hark, how the birds are singing! and I hear From shrub and flower and tree The humming of the bee, Nature’s melodious chanting soft and clear, The breath of winds that pass Over the bending grass, Childhood’s blithe laughter, and the sweet Fall of its feet!

Thank God! thank God! Comrade, rejoice with me In that I still am here Where life and love are dear, And as of old clasp loyal hands with thee! And yet--and yet-- I cannot quite forget That thou didst fail me in mine hour of need, Nor gave me heed!

Ah, whither didst thou flee what time I lay In the unfathomed dark? Soul, didst thou find an ark Secure and safe until the dawn of day, Forgetting thou hadst sworn An oath not yet outworn, To stay me with thy strength, to bring me wine From hills divine?

But--I forgive thee! It may be that thou, Even as I, wert bound Beyond all ken, or sound, Or faintest memory of earthly vow. So, hand in hand, old friend, Until the path shall end, We will fare on together, thou and I, Counting the stars on high!