Classic Poem

A CROSS the solemn spaces of the years
How sweet to hear the voices that we knew
When life had less of sorrows than of tears,
And fewer hearts were sad and more were true!
Then take we gladder hope to us again,—
For who shall say that all our past is vain,
While one sweet soul esteems our little worth,
And singles us from all the good of earth
For kindly greeting as the days go by?
O friend of mine, whose rare fidelity
Stands sentinel at Friendship's holy shrine,
Lest care and change dissever souls at one,
The Lord keep watch between us, mine and thine,
Till night is gone and golden dawn begun!