THROUGH many years my heart goes back, Through checkered years of loss and gain, To that fair landmark on its track, When first, beside the Merrimack, Upon thy cottage roof I heard the autumn rain. A hand that welcomed and that cheered To one unknown didst thou extend; Thou gavest hope to Song that feared; But now, by Time and Faith endeared, I claim the sacred right to call the Poet, Friend! However Life the stream may stain, From thy pure fountain drank my youth The simple creed, the faith human In Good, that never can be slain, The prayer for inward Light, the search for outward Truth! Like thee, I see at last prevail The sleepless soul that looks above; I hear, far off, the hymns that hail The Victor, clad in heavenly mail, Whose only weapons are the eyes and voice of Love! Take, then, these olive leaves from me, To mingle with thy brighter bays! Some balm of peace and purity, In them, may faintly breathe of thee; And take the grateful love, wherein I hide thy praise! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SALLY SIMKIN'S LAMENT by THOMAS HOOD ODES: BOOK 2: ODE 15. ON DOMESTIC MANNERS (UNFINISHED) by MARK AKENSIDE LOST AT SEA by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH MY MOTHER'S GARDEN by ALICE E. ALLEN AEOLIAN HARP (1) by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM QUATORZAINS: 9. TO MY LYRE by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |