The Great Mirror of Same-Sex Love - Poetry - 97. ...waiting all...

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To One Afar

Go – we have breathed farewell before,

But never with such bitter pain!

For always hope had some fresh wreath

To bind my aching heart again.

But now – as if she knew her buds

Could not survive to bloom with me,

She does not even break this cloud

With a tomorrow’s brighter ray.

Farewell – if in life’s desert path

Should rise some verdant spots for me,

Although thou canst not share its joys,

Still, I shall dare to wish for thee!

And oh, dear friend, when hope shall paint

All things about thy pathway fair,

‘Mid images of brighter things,

Say, shall I be reflected there?

I ask it not – but when dark hours,

Which waiting all, must come to thee,

With the too few defying change

Give me a place in memory!

For though my smile has cheerful blent,

With those who briefly may rejoice,

Ye deeper symphonies of soul

Are waked, and chained by sorrow’s voice.

Farewell – what death about the heart

This doubting of the future brings –

What mystery this undying love,

Which strong from its own ashes springs!

Oh Thou, who never sprun’st the gift

Thrice offered on an earthly shire,

Heavenward this deep affection lift,

And sanctify it truly thine!

Yet, let its pleadings, like the dew

Which falls upon some cherished flower,

Rich pearls of blessing gently shed

On loved ones I may meet no more!

—Louisa Simes,[i]

1830s

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