CLOSE the dim eyes, for expression hath left them; Arrange the limp hands, ere stiffness ensue; Cover her over, with a cloth of pure whiteness; Reverence her clay, it is all we can do. Never again shall those calm lips be parted, Displaying the pearl in the sunshine of mirth; Never those dim eyes in sympathy kindle, Nature hath claimed her dust for the earth. Ever her image is bright in our vision, Recalling so vividly, days that are fled; Days, when her light step, her smile, and her beauty, Seemed more for the living, than marked for the dead. Short was her day -- so early she faded; Sank as the sun sinks, behind a great hill -- And, though his grand form is lost to the vision, The light of his splendor is lingering still. Long may the light of her splendor be with us -- Spreading a balm, that shall soothe ev'ry breast; Soon may we muse on her, with resignation; Saying, 'Amen' to her summons to rest. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO KNOW IN REVERIE THE ONLY PHENOMENOLOGY OF THE ABSOLUTE by HAYDEN CARRUTH ESTRANGEMENT by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON TO THE MARTYRED by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON BEFORE A PAINTING by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON THE GOLDEN WEDDING OF STERLING AND SARAH LANIER by SIDNEY LANIER GUNS AS KEYS: AND THE GREAT GATE SWINGS by AMY LOWELL |