Words for Parting

Mary Clemmer

Oh, what shall I do, dear,
In the coming years, I wonder,
When our paths which lie so sweetly near,
Shall lie so far asunder?
Oh, what shall I do, dear,
Through all the sad to-morrows,
When the sunny smile has ceased to chear,
That smiles away my sorrows?

What shall I do, my friend,
When you are gone for ever?
My heart its eager need will send
Through the years, to find you never.
And how will it be with you,
In the weary world, I wonder?
Will you love me with a love as true,
When our paths lie far asunder?

A sweeter, sadder thing,
My life for having known you:
For ever with my sacred kin,
My soul's soul I must own you, -
For ever mine, my friend
From June to life's December,
Not mine to have or hold,
But to pray for and remember.

The way is short, O friend,
That reaches out before us.
God's tender heavens above us bend,
His love is smiling o'er us.
A little while is ours,
For sorrow or for laughter:
I'll lay the hand you love in yours,
On the shore of the hereafter.