<<  "ARE THEY NOT ALL MINISTERING  >>
SPIRITS?"

OH ! the wind sounds sad and dreary,
Blowing up from off the bay;
But the fire looks bright and cheery,
Blazing on the hearth away,
As I sit all sad and weary,
For I've been alone to-day.

Coldly down the moon is beaming,
Making all things clear and bright ;
And far away the waves are gleaming,
Tossing in her silver light.
Watching them, I sit here dreaming,
Dreaming all alone to-night.

Did I hear a low soft sighing,
In the corner far away ?
Quick I turn and see there lying,
As she often used to lay,
One, who in this room was dying
Just one year ago to-day.

From her long, deep slumber waking,
Do I hear her voice once more ?
Yes! my name she's softly speaking,
As she used, in days of yore,
Ere the angels love's bonds breaking,
From our hearts our treasure tore.

Thou art not alone, my sister ;
(These the words she spake to me)
Though in life's rough walks thou'st missed her,
Still thy darling is with thee.
And forevermore, dear sister,
Hovering round thy path will be.

Did I hear thee murmur, dearest,
That thou wast alone to-night ?
Know, e'en then, to thee were nearest
Spirits clothed in spotless white.
Unseen, she, whose voice thou nearest,
Brushed thee with her pinions bright.

Quickly toward the phantom starting,
Ah ! the vision bright has flown ;
But the words she gave me, parting,"
Sister, thou art not alone,"
From my memory ne'er departing,
Cheer me as I journey on.

Oh ! if life be dark and dreary,
"Wrapped in clouds of sombre hue,
If my way be wild and weary,
Thorns be many, roses few,
This thought shall my heart make cheery :
"Sister, ever I'm with you"