BURIED HOPES.

I found a slight flaw in a diamond, And now it is worthless to me; Though the gem is as brilliant as ever, Henceforth ’tis the flaw I shall see. I had a dear friend most enticing, Her life seemed so pure unto me; I found a slight fault in her living, That fault evermore I shall see. I stood by the grave of a loved one, The world seemed so drear, and so cold; No hope in my heart, and the future No promise of peace did unfold. I had a belief in my girlhood, Essential it seemed unto me; But now my belief seems a phantom; From bigotry now I am free. Alas for the hopes of our childhood; They blossom, then wither and die, Are buried full deep in Love’s coffin; The grave is so cold where they lie. We cherish our hopes for a moment, A will-o’-the-wisp they oft are, Dark phantoms eluding us ever, And often our lives they will mar. I seek for the truths, and truth only. All error henceforth I decry, And hid in the grave of oblivion Full deep in that grave must e’er lie.