A Living Memory

My absent daughter—gentle, gentle maid, Your life doth never fade! O, everywhere I see your blue eyes shine, And on my heart, in healing or command, I feel the pressure of your small, warm hand That slipped at dawn, almost without a sign, So softly out of mine! The birds all sing of you, my darling one; Your day was just begun, But you had learned to love all things that grew; And when I linger by the streamlet ’s side Where weed and bush to you were glorified, The violet looks up as if it knew, And talks to me of you. The lily dreams of you. The pensive rose Reveals you where it glows In purple trance above the waterfall; The fragrant fern rejoices by the pond, And sets your dear face in its feathery frond; The winds blow chill, but, sounding over all, I hear your sweet voice call! My gentle daughter! With us you have stayed. Your life doth never fade! O, evermore I see your blue eyes shine. In subtle moods I cannot understand, I feel the flutter of your tender hand That slipped at dawn, almost without a sign, So softly out of mine!