Father Ryan's Poems (76)

Farewells

    They are so sad to say no poem tells The agony of hearts that dwells In lone and last farewells.

    They are like deaths they bring a wintry chill To summer's roses, and to summer's rill； And yet we breathe them still.

    For pure as altar-lights hearts pass away； Hearts！ we said to them, "Stay with us！ stay！" And they said, sighing as they said it, "Nay."

    The sunniest days are shortest； darkness tells The starless story of the night that dwells In lone and last farewells.

    Two faces meet here, there, or anywhere Each wears the thoughts the other face may wear； Their hearts may break, breathing, "Farewell fore'er."