On the Death of a Friend

Gone in the flush of youth!
Gone ere thy heart had felt earth's withering care;
Ere the stern world had soil'd thy spirit's truth,
Or sown dark sorrow there.
Fled like a dream away!
But yesterday mid life's auroral bloom —
To-day, sad winter, desolate and gray,
Sighs round thy lonely tomb.
Fond hearts were beating high,
Fond eyes were watching for the loved one gone,
And gentle voices, deeming thou wert nigh,
Talk'd of thy glad return.
They watch'd — not all in vain —
Thy form once more the wonted threshold pass'd;
But choking sobs, and tears like summer-rain,
Welcom'd thee home at last.
Friend of my youth, farewell!
To thee, we trust, a happier life is given;
One tie to earth for us hath loosed its spell,
Another form'd for heaven.