Mary

Sweetest name that ever crowned a woman, 
Mingling with it the divine and human — 
Name with light enhaloed since it won a 
Sanctifying grace from the Madonna!

All we know of love's ecstatic sweetness, 
All we deem of womanhood's completeness, 
Pities, hopes, and helpful tendernesses, 
To my heart that simple name expresses.

And to me 'tis linked with inward beauty, 
Faith in right and loyalty to duty, 
Gracious household ways and faithful loving, 
That rebuke our waywardness and roving.

So, for these, I shrine the name of Mary 
In my heart as in a sanctuary — 
Shrine it there with every pure emotion 
Born of love, of sorrow, or devotion.

Dear for these; but infinitely dearer 
For a memory sweeter, sadder, nearer — 
All my days with tender twilight shading, 
Yet with brightness all my soul pervading.

One to whom that holy name was given 
Smiles upon me from her home in heaven; 
In my hours of quiet and of dreaming, 
Smiles upon me with an angel seeming.

O, the treasures of which death bereft us!
O, the precious memories God has left us!
O, the sorrow in our hearts that dwelleth!
O, the joyful faith that there upwelleth!

Through our sobs shall break our glad thanksgiving 
That all life seems holier for her living, 
And the grave itself the shining portal 
Through which she passed into the life immortal.

Home seems hallowed, since her evanescence, 
By the sacred memory of her presence, 
Shedding evermore the light of beauty 
O'er the dark and rugged paths of duty.

For her life was like a glad evangel 
With its bright revealings of the angel;
And her death, with solemnizing sweetness,
Gave that life its beautiful completeness.

Thanks to God ! His tender benediction 
Calms the tumult of our great affliction, 
And our eyes, albeit in tearful blindness, 
Read the record of His loving kindness —

Pierce, at length, through all the tangled tissues 
Of our doubts, to life's sublimer issues, 
Till we learn how all things blend benignly 
In His plan whose work is wrought divinely.