Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SOUL TO THE BODY, by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SOUL TO THE BODY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Old mate, who long hast friended me
Last Line: I may behold thee face to face!
Subject(s): Bodies; Friendship; Peace; Singing & Singers; Soul; Tears; Time; Songs


OLD mate, who long hast friended me
Through many a shift of rain and sun,
Now that the journey's well-nigh done,
The wear and tear of Time, I see,
Threaten a breach 'twixt me and thee.

For I am strong, as ne'er before,
While thou art waxen spent, and weak;
The touch of tears is on thy cheek,
Thy gait is limp, thy locks are hoar,
The latch is broken at thy door.

Yet burns full bright my lamp within:
When it is quenched, what wilt thou do?
Dear comrade of the dusk and dew,
Thou fellow-wrestler against sin
In conflicts that God helped us win.

To say good-by, I can not bear;
By all the bonds of brotherhood,
If I encounter any good
Whither I go, 'tis thine to share, --
Boon friends together, Here or There!

So, till our parting shall take place,
I hold this sacred hope the while,
To light my sorrow with a smile:
That, when I soar and sing in space,
I may behold thee face to face!





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