RENUNCIATION.
Could I recall thee from that silent shore Whence never word may reach our longing ears, To gaze upon thee thro' my happy tears, And call thee back to life and joy once more, Could I refrain? If at my touch Death's door Would open for thee, and thy glad eyes shine With swift surprise of life, straight into mine, And we might dwell with love for evermore, Could I forbear? God knows, who still denies. Yet being dead, thou art all mine again: No fear of change can break that perfect rest, Nor can I be where thou art not; thine eyes Smile at me out of heaven, and still my pain, And the whole pitying earth is at thy breast.
Kate Hillard.