Classic Poem

Words we might else have been compelled to say
In silence to our hearts, great love, great praise,
Of thee, our father, have been freely said
By those whom none shall blame; and while thy life
Endures, a beauteous thing in their record,
We may desist; but thou art not alone:
A part of those thou lovedst here so well
Repose beside thee, and the Eyes that saw
Thy daily course of good could never see
The light their presence cast upon thy path:
Soft sanctuary-tapers of thy house
Close-curtained when the Priest came forth; on these
Let peace be, peace on thee our Mother too!
Serenest Spirit; do we vainly dream
Some portion of the constant joy you spread
Around you living, comforts even yet
The Child that never knew you, and the Girl
In whom your gentle soul seemed born again
To bless us longer? Peace like yours be ours
Till the same quiet home receive us all!