In Memoriam

Yes, my darling, when life’s shadows
  Over me do darkly fall,
Meet me surely at the river
  As I haste to obey the call.
Gladly through the darksome valley,
  Through its portals, grim and cold,
Will I hasten ’till my nestling
  Meets me at the “Gates of Gold.”

Sadly do I miss my wee one,
  None can fill thy vacant place,
Only in my dreams I fold thee,
  Only then behold thy face.
See thee in thy childish beauty,
  Clasp thy little hand in mine,
Ever will those moments chain me,
  Ever in my heart enshrined.

Little Heartsease, “bud of promise,”
  Broken off in early morn,
Now can sin no more pollute thee
  In the angels’ bosom borne.
In that land no pain or anguish
  Ever can my child enfold,
Then my darling meet thy mother
  Surely at the “Gates of Gold.”