INNOCENCE.

Contributed by a friend.

The blue sky was her canopy;

The flower-gemmed turf, her shrine;

Her incense, deep and fervent love,

Pure from the heart’s rich mine.

Her brow was fair, her eyes were mild,

Her sunny smile was bright:

No discontent its shadow threw

Across her spirit’s light.

Angels their constant vigil kept,

And guarded her from harm;

Breathing around her, while she slept,

A spirit-soothing charm.

But she hath left this guilt-stained earth:

No more her smiles may cheer;

No more her gentle voice of mirth

May breathe its music here.

Her haunts are desecrated now,

Or desolate and lone;

And Psyche’s palace, where she dwelt,

Has ceased to be her home.