The Rain

Dashing in big drops on the window-pane, 
     And falling thick and fast among the leaves, 
     While the west wind a rhythmic cadence weaves,
I hear the ringing of the summer rain ;
Its dreamy monotone the senses lull,
     And bring a sweet forgetfulness of pain, 
     While memory saunters through the past again,
And lingers with the loved and beautiful, —
The friends of childhood; they whose sunny faces 
     Make of the summer of our lives a part, 
     And shed their gladness on the lonely heart,
That silent pines for the familiar places, 
     The old companionship of rock and tree, 
     And the full life that only asked to be.