"I WAIT for thee!" I said it in the splendor Of golden moons beneath the lonely palms. "I wait for thee!" An echo, clear and tender, Fell from the height across the silver calms. For I had waited long, And hope was growing weary, Though faith and love were strong, And lit the path so dreary, -- Till o'er the coral sea My love should come to me, "I wait for thee." "I wait for thee!" I said it in my dreaming, Then fell a hush beyond the hush of night; And, fairer far than southern waters gleaming, A Presence passed in soft celestial light. Then calm and sweet and clear A spirit voice came singing, Far, far away, yet near, Like star-bells' crystal ringing. Oh, well my own heart knew That voice so clear and true -- "I wait for thee!" "She waits for me!" I said it in my weeping, For never more she cometh o'er the sea; She waits for me! A glorious vigil keeping Beyond the stars, she waiteth there for me. And now I wait awhile Beneath the palm-trees lonely, And learn once more to smile, For she hath gladness only. Beside the Crystal Sea, Until the shadows flee, She waits for me. |