SONGS OF REMEMBRANCE

A little while, my friends, and I am lying Beneath the sod that tells us Spring is nigh; And I, who've found this life no rest supplying, Shall lay my task aside without a sigh.

A little while, and friends who kindly greet me Shall seek my place—in tears shall seek in vain; And those whose love and tender thought now meet me, Shall say—"She comes, our friend, no more again!"

A little while—and oh, how great the yearning To lay the burden down, to be as free As bird that hails its nest, on wing returning; So do I think, beloved, of rest and thee!

The rest my weary heart and soul have waited Through all these years of sorrow and of doubt; As traveller on his homeward way, belated, Impatient seeks and can not bide without.

And thee! Oh loved one gone, this year, before me, Unto a world of light and rapture pure; The thought of thee doth, smiling, now allure me To draw more close and yet to more endure!