HEART STRUGGLES.
Reading edition
———
BY MRS. JANE C. CAMPBELL.
———
It was a foolish thought, beloved,
’Gainst which I vainly strove—
That after years of joy might see
Another win thy love.
It well nigh broke my saddened heart
To think the time might be,
When thou wouldst give another bride
The vows once given to me.
But I have calmer grown since then,
And though ’tis fearful still,
To think a stranger may be here
My place at home to fill—
To think that on her lip and brow
Thy kiss will be imprest,
Her cherished form be warmly clasped
When I am cold at rest—
’Tis fearful—yet ’twere selfish, love,
To bid thee live alone,
And let none other share thy heart
When I from thee am gone.
I know thou never wilt forget
My simple morning flower,
Nor how I nestled to thy side
At twilight’s holy hour.
I know a thousand memories
Within thy soul will rise,
Our happy past be with thee still,
Though bound by other ties.
I know it would be selfish, love,
To bid thee live alone,
And let none other share thy heart
When I from thee am gone.
And yet, to know that heart a shrine
By one dear image filled,
With all the holy warmth of love,
Of early love unchilled—
To know no other head but mine
Should on thy breast be laid,
None other hear the tender words
Which thou to me hast said—
No other name be on thy lips
When life’s last hour drew nigh,
No wish but for our meeting, love,
How blesséd thus to die!