CONVENT ECHOES
Reading edition
By Helen Louise Moriarty
Clear on the air, their pulsing cadence pealing, I hear a sweet refrain, While o’er my thoughts a gentle mist is stealing, And mem’ries come again, Of quiet halls where dusk is slow descending, Where peace has spread her wings. Soft music in the distance only lending More charms where twilight clings. Anon appear the black robed nuns, their faces Serene in sweet repose; Across their brows the world has left no traces Of earthly dreams or woes. Now loud on air the organ music swelling, They reach the chapel door— The sweet faint incense stealing upward, telling ’Tis Benediction’s hour. Now low-bowed heads, and hearts to Him ascending On incense laden air. Ah surely Heaven must smile with ear attending The nun’s low whispered prayer.
Fond memory lingers on those dim old hallways— Lingers and drops a tear, And kind affection drapes the picture always Through each succeeding year.