Page:The Poems of Henry Kendall (1920).djvu/228

 Here the blue-eyed Spring will linger, here the shining month will stay,

Like a friend, by Araluen, when we two are far away;

But beyond the wild, wide waters, we will tread another shore—

We will never watch this blossom, never see it any more.

Girl, whose hand at God's high altar in the dear, dead year I pressed,

Lean your stricken head upon me—this is still your lover's breast!

She who sleeps was first and sweetest—none we have to take her place;

Empty is the little cradle—absent is the little face.

Other children may be given; but this rose beyond recall,

But this garland of your girlhood, will be dearest of them all.

None will ever, Araluen, nestle where you used to be,

In my heart of hearts, you darling, when the world was new to me;

We were young when you were with us, life and love were happy things

To your father and your mother ere the angels gave you wings.

You that sit and sob beside me—you, upon whose golden head

Many rains of many sorrows have from day to day been shed;

Who because your love was noble, faced with me the lot austere

Ever pressing with its hardship on the man of letters here—

Let me feel that you are near me, lay your hand within mine own;

You are all I have to live for, now that we are left alone.

Three there were, but one has vanished. Sins of mine have made you weep;

But forgive your baby's father now that baby is asleep.

Let us go, for night is falling; leave the darling with her flowers;

Other hands will come and tend them—other friends in other hours.

Now, while Orion, flaming south, doth set

A shining foot on hills of wind and wet—

Far haughty hills beyond the fountains cold

And dells of glimmering greenness manifold—