Though through the darkness of the wintry morn
Came that stern call for them ere day was born;
No time to grieve for those they left forlorn!
Though with the blare of that great trumpet blast,
High over head the mighty wave was cast,
From storm to Peace eternal, swift they passed.
O sorrow, sorrow, for the ship that's lost,
O sorrow, sorrow, for the tears she cost,
But sorrow not for those that safely crossed.
For One came to them on that awful wave,
With loving hands outstretched to calm and save—
Straight to the Port of His strong Arms they drave.
He took the nestling babe to His own Breast,
He drew them safely through the surging crest
Of death's dark wave to Light, and Peace, and Rest.
Long may we sorrow for the ship that's lost,
Long may we sorrow for the tears she cost,
But sorrow breaks in joy for those that crossed.
THE LITTLE EVERIN'.
The sun is goin' wes' with me
The little everin's nigh,
An' clearer shines the light upon
Those mansions in the sky;
An' surely through that level light
The very flowers shine more bright,
An' all things soften to the sight,
In the little everin'.
The years have slipped away from me
Like snow before the rain;
I would not ask to have them back
Or live them through again;
But thankful at the close of day
I linger on the homeward way
An' watch the childher at their play
In the little everin'.