Page:All quiet along the Potomac and other poems.djvu/222

 2l6 THE ONES WHO ARE LEFT BEHIND.

��THE ONES WHO ARE LEFT BEHIND.

AT either end of that sad link Twixt Here, and There, we call Good-bye j Hands tremble, and the full heart throbs For what beyond its length shall lie.

But ah ! the traveller outward bound

On yonder sky sees novel gleams, While waiting ones whose feet are stayed

Have only memory and dreams.

The bird that leaves its woodland nest

Catches new sunshine on its wing \ The lonely one that stays at home,

Brooding in shade, forgets to sing.

The gathered rose by beauty worn Flaunts gayly, tho it dies so soon ;

The rifled bush in sorrow bides

Through starlight watch and sleepy noon.

The country boy with honest heart

Cityward turns and fights his way ; Pity the lad, but pity more

The old folks who at home must stay.

Bravely the bride at parting turns From loving arms about her twined ;

Sunlight is o er thee, bonny bride Shade for the mother left behind.

�� �