Classic Poem

I long for household voices gone,
For vanished smiles I long;
But God hath led my dear ones on,
And he can do no wrong.

I know not what the future hath
Of marvel or surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
His mercy underlies.

And if my heart and flesh are weak
To bear an untried pain,
The bruisèd reed he will not break,
But strengthen and sustain.

I know not where his islands lift
Their fronded palms in air;
Only know I cannot drift
Beyond his love and care.

And so beside the Silent Sea
I wait the muffled oar;
No harm from him can come to me
On ocean or on shore.