THE ORPHAN.

———

BY CLARA MORETON.

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“But of all the pictures, there were none as beautiful as ‘The Orphan,’ by an unknown artist. The expression of utter loneliness depicted upon the serene, but pensive face, and that of the soft blue eyes, revealing the heart’s yearnings for the love it had lost, were touchingly beautiful.”—Letter.

I am alone! in all the world

There’s none to care for me —

None who would miss my sad-voiced tone

If I should cease to be;

I am alone! yet in my heart

The founts of love o’erflow,

For all the lovely things of earth —

For all that’s bright below.

The tree that waveth from the woods —

The vine that clasps it round —

The bird that buildeth there its nest —

The wild flower on the ground —

I love them all; they need it not,

For they are not alone;

They know no grief—no loneliness —

No joys forever flown.

The melodies of earth I love;

The music breathing sea,

The wild wind’s loud and clarion notes,

The streamlet’s laughing glee.

Strange chords within my heart are swept;

Their echoes linger long,

Till I forget my lonely fate,

In gushes wild of song.

Oh, earth is very beautiful

In sunshine or in storm!

I only wish I had one heart —

One gentle loving form,

Which in dark hours of sadness

Would ever cling to me,

Even as clasps the humble vine

About the wild-wood tree.