Classic Poem

It flourished in historic earth,
Land long and greatly sanctified;
It had its proud and noble birth
Among the hills where Hiram died;
It minds us of Masonic faith,
That knows no counterpart but death.

Though torn away from native dust,
And faded from its mother tree,
Its leaves still whisper " sacred trust, "
They still impart love's mystery;
They blend in one all thoughts of them
" Who last were at Jerusalem. "

How many graves these leaves embower!
How many forms they lie above!
Mingled with tears, affection's shower,
And bursting sighs, and notes of love;
But oh! the comfort they have given!
A balmy zephyr, straight from Heaven,

Telling of that not distant day
When parted love is joined again;
Bidding the storms of sorrow stay,
Affording antidote to pain;
Suggesting an all-powerful H AND
Will raise the dead and bid him stand.

Soon will these leaves be showered on thee —
Thy months are numbered, every one;
Soon the last solemn mystery
Above thy coffin will be done;
Once more thy requiem will be said,
Though thou, in silence, will not heed.

So live, that when these cacia leaves
Shall blend with thy forgotten dust,
Kind Mother Earth, who all receives,
Will yield, unchanged, her sacred trust;
While angels lead thee to the Throne,
And God , the M ASTER , claims His own.