Dedication

AWAY

I can not say, and I will not say
That she is dead. - She is just away!

With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand,
She has wandered into an unknown land,

And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be, since she lingers there.

And you - O you, who the wildest yearn
For the old-time step and the glad return, -

Think of her faring on, as dear
In the love of There as the love of Here;

And loyal still, as she gave the blows
Of her warrior-strength to her children's foes. -

Mild and gentle, as she was brave, -
When the sweetest love of her life she gave

To simple things: - Where the violets grew
Blue as the eyes they were likened to,

The touches of her hands have strayed
As reverently as her lips have prayed:

When the little brown thrush that harshly chirred
Was dear to her as the mocking-bird;

And she pitied as much as someone in pain
A writhing honey-bee wet with rain. -

Think of her still as the same, I say:
She is not dead - she is just away.