American Female Poets [an electronic edition]

THE OLD DAYS WE REMEMBER.

THE old days we remember, How softly did they glide, While all untouch'd by worldly care, We wander'd side by side. In those pleasant days, when the sun's last rays Just linger'd on the hill, Or the moon's pale light with the coming night Shone o'er our pathway still.

The old days we remember, — Oh! there's nothing like them now, The glow has faded from our hearts, The blossom from the bough; In the chill of care, 'midst worldly air, Perchance we are colder grown, For stormy weather, since we roam'd together, The hearts of both have known.

The old days we remember, — Oh! clearer shone the sun, And every star look'd brighter far, Than they ever since have done! On the very streams there linger'd gleams Of light ne'er seen before, And the running brook a music took Our souls can hear no more!

The old days we remember,— Oh! could we but go back To their quiet hours, and tread once more Their bright familiar track, Could we picture again, what we pictured then, Of the sunny world that lay

From the green hillside, and the waters wide, And our glad hearts far away.

The old days we remember, When we never dream'd of guile, Nor knew that the heart could be cold below, While the lip still wore its smile! Oh! we may not forget, for those hours come yet, They visit us in sleep, While far and wide, o'er life's changing tide, Our barks asunder keep.

Still, still we must remember Life's first and brightest days, And a passing tribute render As we tread the busy maze; A bitter sigh for the hours gone by, The dreams that might not last, The friends deem'd true when our hopes were new, And the glorious visions past!