Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, GOD KEEP THEE, by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GOD KEEP THEE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O dark was the day when I left her alone
Last Line: Protect by night and by day!
Subject(s): God; Religion; Theology


O DARK was the day when I left her alone,
My darling, so gentle, so dear!
O sad, yet O sweet was her silvery tone,
As she said, with a glistening tear:—
'Oh, must thou go forth in the cold world to-day,
And leave me to wander so far, far away?
Oh, think of the moments of joy that are flown,
And remember the love that is ever thine own!
Oh, Father, I pray, protect him alway,
Protect by night and by day!'

I left thee, indeed, in the cold world to roam,
Yet darling, my heart stayed behind!
In dreams I come back to the dear little home,
And unaltered is all that I find.
And then, as I listen, I hear a soft tone
Float up from thy lips to the emerald throne,
'Oh, keep him, and bless him, by night and by day,
And guard him for me while so far, far away.
Oh, Father, I pray, protect him alway,
Protect by night, and by day!'

The ocean of life with its hurrying swell
Has drifted me far on its tide,
But only and ever my true heart shall dwell
In quiet and love at thy side.
And when all the wandering and drifting are o'er,
My rest and my haven, my golden bright shore,
My joy, and my home, and my heart too, shall be
For ever, belovèd, for ever with thee!
Oh, Father, I pray, protect her alway,
Protect by night and by day!





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