Song

I am lonely, dearest,
     Very sad and lone! 
Life is dark without thee,
     And its glory gone! 
O'er the shining azure
     Shadows brood and swim, 
Sits my soul in shadows
     Desolate and dim.

Though the opening blossoms
     Rain from myriad trees, 
And divinest odors
     Float upon the breeze — 
Though the air is vocal
     With the song of birds, 
Vainly am I pining
     For thy sweeter words.

Sadly in the gloaming
     Do I sit alone, 
And my heart converses
     With the dear one gone!
Words of sweetest meanings 
     Linger still with me,
As my soul, in silence, 
     Goeth forth to thee!

Through the holy starlight,
     Through the odorous air, 
From my heart ascendeth
     Still for thee its prayer! 
But that heart is lonely, —
     Thou art far away, 
And my soul in shadow
     Sitteth night and day!