Classic Poem

Chide not; let me breathe a little,
For I shall not mourn him long.
Tho' the life-cord was so brittle
The love-cord was very strong.
I would wake a little space
Till I find a sleeping-place.

You can go, I shall not weep;
You can go unto your rest;
My heart-ache is all too deep,
And too sore my throbbing breast.
Can sobs be, or angry tears,
Where are neither hopes nor fears?

Tho' with you I am alone,
And must be so everywhere,
I will make no useless moan;
None shall say: " She could not bear; "
While life lasts I will be strong,
But I shall not struggle long.

Listen, listen! everywhere
A low voice is calling me,
And a step is on the stair,
And one comes ye do not see.
Listen, listen! evermore
A dim hand knocks at the door.

Hear me: he is come again;
My own dearest is come back.
Bring him in from the cold rain;
Bring wine, and let nothing lack.
Thou and I will rest together,
Love, until the sunny weather.

I will shelter thee from harm,
Hide thee from all heaviness;
Come to me, and keep thee warm
By my side in quietness.
I will lull thee to thy sleep
With sweet songs; we will not weep.

Who hath talked of weeping? yet
There is something at my heart
Gnawing, I would fain forget,
And an aching and a smart —
Ah my Mother, 'tis in vain,
For he is not come again.